An Israeli family fearful for the life of a loved one held captive in Gaza has called on the international community to press the Israeli government and Hamas for a deal to free hostages.
The call follows protests in Israel and Tel Aviv over the killing of six hostages at the weekend.
Speaking to RTÉ's Morning Ireland, the family of Keith Siegel called on international governments to press for a ceasefire so the remaining hostages can be freed alive.
Mr Siegel was kidnapped with his wife Aviva on 7 October. Aviva was among a number of hostages released in November.
Yuval Baron, who is engaged to the Siegel's daughter Shir Siegfeld, said he fears for Mr Siegel’s life and is devastated that six hostages were killed at the weekend.
He blamed Israel’s military operation for getting "hostages dead in bags" and failing to have more hostage release deals like the one which saw his soon to be mother-in-law Aviva released.
"We’re devastated six hostages that were alive until recent days were brutally killed in captivity.
"They could have been saved by an agreement. We know that there were a few opportunities to bring them back. We know a few of them ... their names were on the list of hostages that could return on a deal," Mr Baron said.
He added that he is not happy with the approach taken by the Israeli government and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu .
"I don't think he doesn't want the hostages back. I know he does. But I think he has other priorities. It terrifies us, and it devastates us," said Mr Baron.
Yesterday, Mr Netanyahu asked for "forgiveness" and called for unity as thousands of people marched in protest against his failure to end the war.
But he also reiterated that Hamas will pay a "very heavy price".
In response to the prime minister’s comments, Mr Baron said: "We tried this unity. We've been trying for 11 months and we got mainly hostages dead in bags.
"There was the hostage deal, of course, that brought Aviva, my future mother-in-law and over 100 more hostages home. But that was nine months ago. Since then, all we hear is military pressure will bring the hostages back. And two days ago, we saw that the military pressure actually kills the hostages".
Commenting on US President Joe Biden saying Mr Netanyahu is not doing enough to secure a hostage deal and ceasefire with Hamas, Mr Baron said that it is "loud and clear" and "just emphasises that Netanyahu is not doing everything he can".
Mr Baron called on other countries to do whatever they "can to press Hamas hard, to press the Israeli government hard, to reach an agreement because an agreement saves lives".
"I'm calling for whatever will bring the hostages back and bring us some peace and quiet. Too many lives have been lost on both sides. We can't let that continue," Mr Baron said.
