Hello, I'm Emma Vadi. Welcome to the documentary from the BBC World Service.

In BBC OS conversations, we bring people together to share their perspectives on global events.

The week began with a group of around 600 retired Israeli security officials calling for an end to the war in Gaza.

It ended with the Israeli cabinet approving plans for a major expansion of military operations,

the aim to defeat Hamas and return the hostages.

The decision has been criticised by foreign governments, the United Nations and even the

country's own military leadership. And as we record this program on Friday lunchtime here in London,

protesters in Israel have been taking to the streets to oppose the decision.

Israel launched its military assault on Gaza following the Hamas attack in October 23,

in which some 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage.

The Hamas-run health ministry says more than 61,000 people have been killed in Gaza,

and last time on BBC OS conversations,

we heard from people in the territory about the desperate shortage of food. In this edition,

in conversations recorded over the past week before the Israeli cabinet meeting,

we're going to be hearing from people in Israel. We bring together the families of two hostages who were killed

by Hamas. Later, three rabbis grappling with a solution to the conflict. First, though, two young

people with different perspectives on the fighting. Israel requires most citizens over the age of 18

to do military service in the Israel Defence Forces, the IDF.

Once enlisted, men are expected to serve for a minimum of 32 months and women for a minimum of 24.

18-year-old David is due to join the IDF later this year.

We brought him together in conversation with Abigail, who's 17 and has decided

not to take part in military service. The consequences could be a term in prison. We've changed

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