Former Hamas Hostage Andrey Kozlov Urges Israelis to Rally for Remaining Captives
One week after his release from the Gaza Strip, former Hamas hostage Andrey Kozlov has called on all Israelis to attend a large demonstration for his fellow captives still held by Hamas. 'I am back home in Israel, but many hostages are still in the Gaza Strip,' said the 27-year-old in a video message released on Friday. Since his rescue by Israeli soldiers, Kozlov has been vocal about the plight of the remaining hostages, urging the public to show support and solidarity. The rescue operation carried out by Israeli forces saw the release of Kozlov and three other hostages amidst criticism from independent UN human rights experts. Accusations of Israeli forces disguising themselves as humanitarian aid workers during the rescue operation have surfaced, leading to allegations of violations of international law and war crimes. Despite these controversies, reports suggest that Israeli forces had posed as Palestinian refugees before executing the rescue mission. Currently, around 120 hostages are still believed to be in Gaza, with concerns over their well-being and the Israeli government's efforts in securing their release. In Tel Aviv, regular Saturday demonstrations have become a common sight as people rally for the hostages' freedom, often directing their appeals towards Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's administration for more decisive actions. The ongoing situation in the Gaza Strip has also affected aid deliveries, with the temporary pier constructed by the US military being towed to the Israeli coast due to rough sea conditions. The relocation aims to ensure the safety of personnel involved in transporting essential supplies into the region. As tensions escalate between Israel and Hezbollah, the fate of the remaining hostages in Gaza remains a pressing concern for both local and international communities.
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