JERUSALEM, Oct 28, 2023 (BSS/AFP) - Families of Israeli hostages held by 
Hamas militants in Gaza on Saturday demanded an immediate government 
explanation about the fate of the captives after the army intensified strikes 
on the Palestinian territory.

The main group representing some 229 people believed abducted in the October 
7 attacks by Hamas sought an immediate meeting with ministers.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said in a statement that relatives 
were angry over the "absolute uncertainty regarding the fate of the hostages 
held (in Gaza), who were also subject to the heavy bombings".

"None of the war cabinet bothered to meet with the families to explain one 
thing -- whether the ground operation endangers the well being of the 229 
hostages in Gaza," the group said.

"The families are worried about the fate of their loved ones and are waiting 
for an explanation. Every minute feels like eternity."

During the night, Israel pounded the Hamas-run Gaza Strip with air and 
artillery strikes which the army said struck 150 "underground" targets across 
the territory.

On Thursday, the armed wing of Hamas said "almost 50" hostages had been 
killed in Israeli bombing raids on the Gaza Strip since October 7.

AFP was not immediately able to verify the figure provided by the Ezzedine 
al-Qassam Brigades.

Israel has been building up to a ground invasion since Hamas fighters crossed 
the border and killed 1,400 people, mainly civilians, and took 229 hostages, 
according to Israel.

More than 7,300 people have been killed in retaliatory Israeli strikes on the 
enclave, including about 3,000 children, according to the health ministry in 
Gaza.