Six former captives of Hamas appealed to President Donald Trump to rein in Israeli military operations in Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently ordered the IDF to take control over all of Gaza. Israeli critics of Netanyahu’s plan say it will endanger the lives of the remaining captives. 

A video featuring six freed hostages and the widow of a captive who was killed in Gaza delivered a video message to Trump on Thursday. Former captive Sasha Troufanov said, “President Trump, the decision to expand the military operation puts each and every one of them in very great danger. Every bullet, every strike could be the one that ends their life.”

They argued that Netanyahu’s plan to ramp up military operations will endanger the lives of the remaining hostages. Doron Steinbrecher stated, “Every bullet, every strike, could be the one that ends their life.”

Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad still hold 50 Israelis, 20 of whom are believed to be alive. The IDF has also warned that expanding operations in the Strip could lead to the deaths of the remaining hostages.  

Alexander Lobanov’s husband was executed by Hamas last year during an Israeli raid. “He came back to me in a coffin. President Trump, please act now before it’s too late for them, too,” she said. 

The former captives praised Trump for the ceasefire and hostage exchange that led to the release of 39 captives earlier this year. Netanyahu agreed to the deal after pressure from Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff. “We are here today because you chose to act,” Naama Levy explained. 

Over 130 hostages held by Hamas were released during ceasefires. Israeli efforts to free captives by force have often led to the deaths of the hostages.