New York:Jack Lew, former US ambassador to Israel, revealed difficulties in persuading Israeli officials to prioritize the safety of Israeli-American hostages following an attack by Hamas.

According to Anadolu Agency, Lew shared his experiences at a Columbia University event, highlighting that while the safety of hostages was a primary concern for him, it was not prioritized by his Israeli counterparts. He noted that the Israeli government capitalized on then-President Joe Biden's strong support for Israel during the conflict.

Lew explained that Washington's influence over Israel's military actions in Gaza was limited due to the understanding that President Biden would not significantly reduce US assistance to Israel. He stated that without the threat of withdrawing support, the US lacked leverage to affect Israel's actions.

The situation in Gaza escalated after October 8, 2023, when Israel launched extensive military operations against the Gaza Strip following the Hamas attack. Reports from Gaza's health authorities indicate that over 74,000 Palestinians have been killed and more than 175,000 injured since the start of the conflict. Despite a ceasefire in effect since October 10, 2025, Israeli military actions have continued, resulting in additional casualties.