Hostage families sail toward Gaza calling for Israel to end the war

Families of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza sailed toward the enclave Thursday in a symbolic protest, urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to halt plans to expand the war. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum called the flotilla an “SOS” to prevent further risk to the remaining 50 hostages, at least 20 of whom are believed to be alive. As Israel’s cabinet considered a full reoccupation of Gaza, families warned such a move would endanger their loved ones and hinder efforts to secure their release, CNN has reported. The protest comes amid a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where over 61,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began.