Hostage families fear for loved ones’ lives; politicians across political spectrum celebrate Israeli strike in Qatar

Following the unprecedented Israeli strike in Qatar that targeted the terror group’s senior leadership on Tuesday, family members of Israeli hostages expressed fear for their lives, while numerous politicians supported and celebrated the government’s decision to strike.

The airstrike reportedly targeted a meeting of Hamas’ leadership that was set to discuss the latest developments in the hostage deal negotiations.

Einav Tsangauker, mother of hostage Matan, wrote on 𝕏 that she was “shaking with fear” for the life of her son.

“It’s possible that at this very moment, the Prime Minister has essentially executed my Matan – sealed his fate. Anyone who knowingly puts my Matan’s life at risk is, in effect, murdering him,” wrote Zangauker, who has become well-known as one of the most radical voices in the hostage family movement.

“Again and again and again, the Prime Minister sabotages the deal. Enough! End this war already and bring them all back in a comprehensive agreement,” she wrote.

Yael Adar, mother of fallen hostage Tamir Adar, told Ynet News: “The night before a deal is supposedly on the table, there's another assassination of senior Hamas figures – the very ones we are supposed to negotiate with for the release of our loved ones.”

“I ask the Israeli government to stand before the families and explain, once and for all, how exactly they plan to bring our loved ones home,” said Adar.

“Only time will tell whether the assassination advances or delays the release of the hostages, but there's no doubt that there is significant anxiety among many families whose loved ones are in the hands of despicable Hamas terrorists. None of us can predict how they will respond.”

One of the few politicians criticizing the operation was Gilad Kariv, a lawmaker in the party The Democrats: “The leaders of Hamas are dead men walking. Every single one of them. Our hostages are not. Netanyahu's test after 704 days is one: the swift return of all hostages and the end of the war. That is the test,” he wrote.

However, even many coalition leaders, who feel no compunction over criticizing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, praised the strikes.

Opposition Leader Yair Lapid wrote: “I’m congratulating the Air Force, IDF, Shin Bet, and all security forces on an exceptional operation to thwart our enemies.”

Blue and White chairman Benny Gantz agreed, writing, “We must pursue Hamas terrorists and their leaders everywhere and at all times. I commend the political echelon for the decision to carry out the targeted killing and the IDF, Shin Bet, and all security forces for executing the operation.”

“The most important thing now: not to miss opportunities. Leverage the achievements of our fighters to bring back all the hostages and replace Hamas rule in Gaza,” he added.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, one of the few senior officials who was informed about the impending strikes, declared that “Terrorists haven’t and won’t have immunity from the long arm of Israel anywhere in the world. A correct decision we made and perfect execution by the IDF and Shin Bet.”

“Thanks to everyone and to the Holy One, blessed be He, who gives us the strength to do great things,” he stated.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir said, “The decision we made to strike those who brought upon us the massacre of October 7 is yet another historic decision in a series of important and historic decisions we have made.”

“A huge thank you to the Creator of the Universe, the Prime Minister, the Minister of Defense, and my fellow ministers in the narrow cabinet for the brave decision, and to the IDF and Shin Bet for the professional operation.”

انتقام! pic.twitter.com/Ov0buXySXA

— אלמוג כהן Almog cohen (@almog_cohen08) September 9, 2025

His party colleague, Knesset Member Almog Cohen, shared a screenshot of the Doha-based Hamas leadership offering a prayer of thanks on Oct. 7, 2023.

“Revenge,” he wrote on Arabic.

Diaspora Minister Amichai Chikli wrote, “The party’s over! The terror architects who orchestrated the horrific massacre of innocents on October 7th, feasting in luxury hotels after inflicting unprecedented disaster upon their own people, are finally meeting justice.”

“And a word to the Qatari crime family: those who sleep with dogs should not complain when they wake up with fleas.”