Family members of US hostages held by Hamas to attend State of the Union handle | EUROtoday

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Family members of Americans held hostage by Hamas are anticipated to attend president Joe Biden’s State of the Union handle this week as he faces mounting strain over his dealing with of the battle.

“It’s a living hell. A living hell from the moment you get up in the morning until you go to bed,”  Jonathan Dekel-Chen, father of American hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen, informed NBC News. He is hopeful that his presence within the Capitol will remind Americans of the horrific scenario of the hostages, as they proceed efforts to safe their launch.

“There really are no words to describe how difficult this is. I feel for my son; I am consumed for his wife and his three little girls who are waiting for him at home and have absolutely no idea what his condition is,” Mr Dekel-Chen informed the outlet. He is attending the occasion because the visitor of Democratic consultant Josh Gottheimer. There are at the least six remaining American hostages in Gaza.

Mr Biden’s State of the Union comes because the prospects of a ceasefire took a significant hit on Thursday with Hamas militants within the Gaza Strip persevering with to carry an unspecified variety of hostages, together with each Israeli and American civilians.

Last week, households of hostages held in Gza and their supporters launched a four-day march from southern Israel to Jerusalem to demand their family members be let out.

According to the Israeli authorities, about 1,200 folks have been killed, whereas round 240 folks had been kidnapped. Meanwhile, the civilian loss of life toll from Israel’s assault and the ensuing famine and different results has handed 30,000.

Earlier on Sunday, vp Kamala Harris known as for an instantaneous ceasefire, as she condemned Israel for failing to permit humanitarian assist to residents of the Gaza Strip.

“[G]iven the immense scale of suffering in Gaza, there must be an immediate ceasefire – for at least the next six weeks, which is what is currently on the table,” mentioned the vp.

The remarks got here after Israel’s navy was broadly criticised for opening hearth as Palestinians swarmed an assist truck carrying flour. More than 100 Palestinians had been killed within the incident, in keeping with the Palestinian well being ministry.

“People in Gaza are starving. The conditions are inhumane. And our common humanity compels us to act,” Ms Harris mentioned.

“The Israeli government must do more to significantly increase the flow of aid. No excuses,” she added.

“They must open new border crossings. They must not impose any unnecessary restrictions on the delivery of aid. They must ensure humanitarian personnel, and convoys are not targeted. And they must work to restore basic services, and promote order in Gaza, so more food, water, and fuel can reach those in need,” Ms Harris mentioned.

President Biden has been below immense strain from his personal occasion in current days to strain Israel to halt combating in Gaza and permit the supply of extra humanitarian assist, as assist companies warn {that a} famine is imminent. At least 15 kids have died of malnutrition and dehydration in current days, in keeping with the Gaza well being ministry.

This newest shift within the administration’s messaging comes after greater than 100,000 voters in Michigan’s Democratic main voted “uncommitted” after progressives together with Rep Rashida Tlaib urged Michiganders to register protest votes in opposition to the administration’s dealing with of the struggle in Gaza.