'Get them out' Hostages' families call for concessions to secure release

Relatives of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza have called on Benjamin Netanyahu to make significant concessions to secure the freedom of their loved ones.

- Jason Burke 

The Israeli prime minister has told families that freeing the hostages is "one of the missions" of the war being waged against Hamas, but has so far not said that he will prioritise obtaining their release above the military objective of destroying the extremist Islamist organisation.

The hostages, including infants, children and elderly people, were seized during the terrorist attacks on southern Israel last month in which 1,400 people, mainly civilians, were killed. Military personnel are also among those captured.

As initial shock has faded, public anger in Israel has grown, with many families of the hostages critical of the government response. Dozens of rallies were held across the country last Saturday in support of the hostages.

Some relatives said they favoured a deal that might involve the release of all Palestinian prisoners held in Israel, a demand repeatedly made by Hamas.