Courtesy of JNS. Photo credit: IDF Spokesperson’s Unit
Israeli troops in the Gaza Strip during “Operation Swords of Iron”
(JNS) — More than 1,000 bereaved Israeli families signed a letter published by the Gvura (Heroism) Forum, strongly opposing calls to end the war in Gaza without victory or to refuse military service.
The signatories, who lost relatives to Israel’s wars and Palestinian terrorist attacks, argue that halting the war before achieving its objectives poses a severe threat to national security.
In their message, which highlights some of the fissures with other hostage family organizations, these families implored the government not to yield to pressure, writing: “Do not stop — continue and win the war.”
The letter, published on Friday, was a direct response to recent public appeals against the resumption of military operations, particularly those motivated by concerns over the fate of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
According to the Gvura Forum, signatories include families who have lost loved ones in the current war — dubbed “Operation Swords of Iron” — as well as in previous military conflicts and acts of terrorism. The letter emphasizes that the war must continue until all its goals are achieved: the return of the hostages, the destruction of Hamas in the Gaza Stirp, and the elimination of the Strip as a threat to Israel.
The families recalled the atrocities of Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas led a brutal attack on Israeli civilians, killing, raping, burning and abducting men, women, and children. They describe the war as one of national survival — “a war that was forced upon us and is more just than any other.”
The letter underscores the sacrifices made by Israeli soldiers and families, calling the war effort vital to ensuring that such a massacre never happens again. While recognizing the progress made, the families insist the mission is incomplete and that ending the war prematurely would invite future atrocities.
The Gvura Forum has consistently supported Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s stance against a hostage deal that would involve releasing imprisoned terrorists or ceasing military operations. In closing, the letter sends a message of support to the prime minister: “We stand with the government of Israel and its leader — do not stop. Continue, and win the war.”
Separately, the Tikva Forum for Hostages’ Families also condemned recent letters advocating for a ceasefire. Such appeals, it warned, endanger both the hostages and Israeli soldiers. The forum said that many of the letter writers are radical left-wing activists using the hostage issue to push political agendas disconnected from Israel’s security reality.
“These calls do not stem from humanitarian concern,” the Tikva Forum stated, “but mask ideological refusal to serve. They weaken national resilience, damage morale, and signal to Hamas that Israeli society is cracking.
“Every call to end the war before achieving all its goals only strengthens Hamas’s resolve,” the forum said.
