Ronen and Orna Neitra, parents of Omer Neitra, an American-Israeli citizen held hostage in Gaza since the 7 October Hamas attack, speak on Day 3 of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S., July 17, 2024. Photo: /Jeenah Moon/ Reuters
New data released by the Israeli authorities indicate that Captain Omer Neitra, a 21-year-old tanker, was killed on 7 October last year. His body was abducted by Hamas and taken to Gaza. During the year-long wait, Omer’s family, Ronen and Orna Neitra, spoke at political events in the United States, calling for the return of their son’s body. However, even these public appeals did not force Hamas to change its position. This was reported by The Jerusalem Post.
Hamas has repeatedly demonstrated its impunity. In an October attack, militants killed American citizen Hershey Goldberg-Polin, whose parents also appealed to the international community. The group’s leaders, who are safe in Doha, the capital of Qatar, continue to act without fear of repercussions. The support of Qatar, which is an ally of the United States, provides Hamas with room for manoeuvre.
After the attack on the Nova music festival and numerous murders, Hamas even gained some support among radical activists in the United States and Europe. Campaigns in support of Hamas are spreading on university campuses, and graphics glorifying the terrorists’ actions are appearing on social media.
Why is there no pressure on Hamas?
According to analysts, the lack of a tough response from the United States and other allies sets a dangerous precedent. Hamas not only continues to take hostages, but also uses them as a tool to delay military action. The situation with Captain Neutra and other hostages demonstrates how systematic inaction allows Hamas to act with impunity.
For example, in October 2023, Hamas released two American women hostages, but this was an isolated decision, with no further progress on the release of other hostages. Why have there been no more attempts to free them, including vulnerable children, such as the Bibas family?
Hamas’s actions prove that the group is skilful at manipulating international relations, using its connections in Qatar and Turkey. The absence of a clear response from the United States or its allies, as well as the tacit support of a part of society, only strengthens the terrorists’ confidence in their impunity.
Important questions remain unanswered: why is there no pressure on the countries that support Hamas? Why are the families of the victims and hostages left alone with their pain? Without active action by the international community, Hamas will continue to be a threat to the region and the world.
