TEL AVIV, Israel—Israel's military announced plans to dismiss air force reservists who signed a letter criticizing the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The letter accused the military's operations of prioritizing political ambitions over the return of hostages still held by Hamas. An army spokesperson stated that there is no allowance for active reservists to exploit their military status while engaging in political dissent, underscoring it as a violation of trust within the ranks.
Nearly 1,000 Israeli Air Force reservists and retirees signed the open letter, published by Israeli media, that called for the immediate return of hostages, even if it meant halting military action. The letter emerged as Israel intensifies its military campaign against Hamas, as part of efforts to pressure the militant group into releasing the 59 hostages, many of whom are believed to be deceased. The Israeli government has enforced a blockade on vital supplies such as food and fuel in Gaza, exacerbating humanitarian crises.
Despite the military's stance, the letter-signers did not outright refuse to serve but are part of a growing number of Israeli soldiers voicing concerns about the 18-month conflict. Guy Poran, a retired Israeli Air Force pilot who initiated the letter, expressed frustrations over government policies that risk both hostages' lives and the safety of civilians, stating, “It’s completely illogical and irresponsible on behalf of the Israeli policy makers…” He noted that since the letter's publication, additional signatures have poured in, indicating a wider dissent within military ranks.
In the wake of the October 7, 2023, incursion by Hamas into Israel, there was a strong initial support for the war against the militant group. However, as the conflict continues, divisions are surfacing within Israeli society, primarily focused on the rising casualty toll among soldiers and the challenges of securing hostage releases, as opposed to the military's actions in Gaza.
Efforts to secure hostages’ return have intensified. Freed hostages and their families are actively amplifying their plight, urging the government to act to bring everyone home. Agam Berger, a military spotter liberated in January, is set to perform at a March of the Living ceremony in Poland on Holocaust Remembrance Day. She will play a 130-year-old violin that survived the Holocaust at the Birkenau concentration camp, accompanied by singer Daniel Weiss, who lost his parents on October 7.
The Israeli military's operations show no signs of abating, as it recommits to advancing through Gaza following the end of an eight-week ceasefire last month. The United Nations reports that over 1,000 individuals have died in Gaza since the ceasefire ended. Recently, the military issued urgent evacuation warnings for several neighborhoods in northern Gaza, where strikes earlier this week resulted in 23 fatalities, including 16 women and children.
Furthermore, Brazil's Embassy in the West Bank announced its request for the immediate release of the body of Walid Ahmad, a 17-year-old Palestinian who died in Israeli custody. The embassy is assisting Ahmad’s family in expediting the process to repatriate his body. An Israeli doctor involved in the autopsy reported that starvation was likely the primary cause of death. Ahmad had been held for six months without charges and showed severe malnutrition and other health issues upon his death.
In response, Israel's prison service defended its operations, asserting that it maintains standards in accordance with the law and ensures basic rights for all prisoners.
