Israeli ex-security chiefs urge Trump to use influence to help stop the war

About 600 former Israeli security officials have urged Donald Trump to put pressure on Israel to end the war in Gaza as the country's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, considers expanding the conflict.

- William Christou

In an open letter, the former officials – who include previous heads of the Mossad and the military – said an end to the war was the only way to save hostages still held by Hamas.

"Your credibility with the vast majority of Israelis augments your ability to steer Prime Minister Netanyahu and his government in the right direction," they wrote. "End the war, return the hostages, stop the suffering."

They added that they thought Hamas no longer posed a strategic threat to Israel.

The letter comes as pressure mounts for the Israeli government to end the war. Thousands of protesters took to the streets in Israel over the weekend after videos were released of emaciated hostages held in Gaza.

One video in particular, which depicted a skeletal Evyatar David digging what he said could be his own grave, prompted a wave of outrage.

On Sunday night, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum headquarters released a statement that accused Netanyahu of "leading Israel and the kidnapped to doom".

According to Israeli media, Netanyahu wants to try "pushing for the release of the hostages through decisive military victory".