In UK, hostage relatives say ground op in Lebanon will delay return of loved ones

By AP and ToI Staff 30 September 2024, 8:05 pm 8 Edit

Stephen Brisley, whose sister Lianne Sharabi and nephews Noiya and Yahel Sharabi were murdered by Hamas on October 7, 2023, in Israel, and the brother-in-law of hostage Eli Sharabi, speaks at a press conference in London, September 30, 2024, ahead of the first anniversary of the kidnapping. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

Relatives of some of the Israelis held hostage by Hamas terrorists in Gaza say they fear Israel’s intention to launch a ground operation against Hezbollah in Lebanon will further delay a deal that could lead to their loved ones’ release.

“It takes away from the hostages,” Sharone Lifschitz says, during a news conference in London.

She continues: “If there is a ground incursion, then they are telling us nothing will happen for two weeks or three weeks or five weeks.”

Lifschitz’s parents were kidnapped when Hamas-led terrorists raided southern Israel on October 7. Her mother, Yocheved, was freed in November but her father, Oded, is still being held captive.

Relatives of hostages with connections to the UK held a private meeting today with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy in hopes of increasing pressure for the hostages’ release.

Stephen Brisley’s sister Lianne Sharab and two nieces were killed by Hamas on October 7, and his brother-in-law Eli Sharabi is a hostage.

He says the Israeli government insists the hostages are its top priority, but “that’s not the impression I get at the moment.”