• US envoy Steve Witkoff met families of Israeli hostages in Tel Aviv amid growing calls for their release.
• Protesters demanded stronger actions from the Israeli government to ensure the safety of the hostages.
• The situation in Gaza remains critical, with international criticism of Israel's military actions intensifying.

On August 2, US envoy Steve Witkoff met with the families of Israeli hostages in Tel Aviv, as the war that started with Hamas' attack in October 2023 continues, heightening fears for the captives' survival. The meeting took place against the backdrop of the families protesting for government action to secure their loved ones' release. Videos showed families chanting phrases like "Bring them home!" as Witkoff arrived, highlighting the emotional tension surrounding the situation, according to Channel News Asia, CBS News, and Le Monde.

During the meeting, Witkoff emphasized to protesters that "most Israelis want the hostages home," reinforcing the urgency of resolving the situation. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum expressed disappointment afterwards, stating they had more questions than answers following discussions with Witkoff. Calls for a ceasefire to facilitate negotiations for the hostages' release have gained momentum, particularly after Hamas released disturbing footage of two captives, Evyatar David and Rom Braslavski, prompting outrage and concerns about their wellbeing, as reported by AA and Channel News Asia.

Witkoff's meeting with the families came shortly after he visited a humanitarian aid station in Gaza, aimed at assessing the dire humanitarian needs stemming from the ongoing conflict. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which Witkoff collaborated with, has faced myriad accusations, including claims that its operations serve as tools for displacement rather than relief. This complex backdrop complicates the prospect of easing tensions, as the United States, alongside Egypt and Qatar, has previously mediated ceasefire talks, which have broken down recently, according to CBS News and Le Monde.

Amid continuing hostilities, Israeli military leadership warned that combat would persist without a resolution on the hostages. Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir stated that ongoing fighting would continue if the hostages remained in captivity. Concurrently, there's increased scrutiny of Israel's military tactics, especially in light of alarming reports detailing casualties and humanitarian conditions in Gaza, pointing to an urgent need for international intervention, as highlighted by AA and CBS News.