Families Demand U.S. Leverage for Release of Hamas Hostages

Families of the 240 people kidnapped by Hamas in Israel are urging the United States to use its influence to bring their loved ones home. They fear that the global focus on Israel's offensive against Hamas in Gaza will overshadow efforts to secure the release of the hostages. The families believe that the U.S. has the highest leverage over actors that can pressure Hamas and can impose consequences for non-compliance. They have been meeting with U.S. lawmakers and officials to garner support and highlight the urgency of the situation. American involvement is seen as vital due to concerns about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's prioritization of the hostages' release.