Bereaved families from Forum HaGvura (the Heroism Forum) turned to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this morning (Tuesday) with a demand to stop all progress on the “Board of Peace” points plan in Gaza until Hamas is completely eliminated. They urged him to clarify that Israel will not consent to any framework allowing the terror organization to retain power or transferring security responsibilities in the Strip to foreign entities.
In their letter, the families wrote: “At the outset of the war, the Cabinet set goals for concluding the campaign—goals the Israeli government repeatedly reiterated: Gaza will be demilitarized, and the terrorist organization Hamas will be defeated and will not rule Gaza, neither politically nor militarily. Furthermore, an explicit decision was made that the ‘Palestinian’ Authority will not govern Gaza, and security control over Gaza will forever remain in Israel’s hands, with Israel’s security from the river to the sea permanently entrusted to the IDF, not foreign parties. These statements were made repeatedly over these years and, as noted, were brought to a vote and decided by the Cabinet.”
Later in the letter, the families warn that such a reality would contradict the objectives established at the beginning of the war, casting doubt on battlefield achievements and the safety of Israeli citizens. According to them, “Based on publications by the ‘Board of Peace,’ briefings from ‘mediators,’ and additional reports, Hamas continues to mock us and the world. The terror group remains alive and active, now gaining international recognition while retaining political and security control in Gaza under the guise of ‘alternate ‘Palestinian’ governance.’ This is compounded by abandoning our security to a foreign international force entering the Strip.”
“Honorable Prime Minister, we, the bereaved families who paid the ultimate price, cannot accept such a reality. Our heroic loved ones went into battle and did not return; they went forth bravely for victory. Our sons and daughters sacrificed their lives for the security and eternity of Israel, not to restore a murderous terror regime to our southern border. We will not allow our heroic loved ones to serve as the silver platter for a new terror regime in Gaza. We call upon you, Mr. Prime Minister: stand today before the nation and the world and declare—Israel firmly opposes any outline that does not include the absolute destruction of Hamas, both politically and militarily, ensuring our security remains solely in the hands of the IDF and no foreign entity,” the letter concluded.
It should be noted that the letter arrives just days after bereaved families residing in the Gaza envelope, who are members of Forum HaGvura, also appealed to the Prime Minister to guarantee their security. The families warned against threats facing Gaza envelope residents and asked Netanyahu to ensure the lessons of October 7th are implemented so the security of communities and residents is never abandoned again. The forum emphasized that both letters join a consistent call by bereaved families: to guarantee that the war concludes with a clear defeat of Hamas and that Israel’s security remains the sole responsibility of the State of Israel and the IDF.