Staff from The Canadian Press posted an article on September 1, 2024 at 2:19 PM about a Toronto-based woman grappling with both anger and grief. She discovered that her cousin, Carmel Gat, who was taken hostage by Hamas, had died in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli army found the bodies of Gat and five other hostages shortly after they were killed. The attack by the militant group led to over 200 hostages being taken and triggered an ongoing war that resulted in more than 1,200 Israeli casualties. One of the woman’s aunts was among those killed.
The release of the hostages has been a critical point of discussion in international peace talks aimed at ending the conflict. Hamas has pledged to release all hostages if Israel stops its attacks in Gaza and releases hundreds of prisoners. Israel, on the other hand, has stated it will not cease until Hamas has been eliminated.
The deaths of the six hostages have sparked widespread protests against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Thousands have taken to the streets of Jerusalem, demanding a ceasefire and the immediate release of the remaining hostages.
The woman, Maayan Shavit, is not only mourning Gat’s death but is also frustrated with both sides involved. She holds Hamas accountable for taking hostages and initiating the war, while also criticizing Netanyahu for not taking sufficient action as the country’s leader to protect and bring back those held captive.
The article concludes with a note crediting The Associated Press for their contributions.
2024 The Canadian Press.
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