(NewsNation) — Dr. Sharone Lifschitz’s parents were kidnapped by Hamas nearly 6 months ago. Although her mother was released, her 83-year-old father remains captive.
Lifschitz said her mother is “strong,” but as time passes the questions remain and it has become harder to live in suspense about her father’s return home.
“We do get updates of sorts, but it’s understandable that in any hostage negotiation, much of it is behind closed doors. We are very concerned that while we’re being told everything is being done, we don’t always feel that the time frame is appropriate for the release of elderly persons such as her father,” she said.
Lifschitz believes the U.S. is making efforts but urges for the use of all available leverage to secure the release of hostages and establish long-term agreements “rather than destroying each other.”
“I think there’s a real opportunity here with the U.S. administration, with other friends of Israel and Palestinians to reach long-term agreements that will make the next stage of building bridges rather than destroying each other,” she said.
Furthermore, Lifschitz criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for engaging in political maneuvering, stressing their sole focus is on returning their loved ones.
“I think Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is somebody who is fighting a political game. Our game is not political, we’re simply wanting to return our loved ones home, and it seems that this is bigger than anything. This is bigger than somebody’s political survival and I want him to do the decent thing,” she said.