Netanyahu Pledges Stronger Action,Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reaffirmed his commitment to securing the return of all hostages still inside Gaza, including those confirmed dead, saying that Israel will continue its fight against terrorism with full force. Speaking at a memorial event for victims of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, Netanyahu emphasized that his government remains determined to ensure that no hostage is left behind. His comments came shortly after Hamas handed over the bodies of two additional hostages to the International Committee of the Red Cross. The Israeli government later identified the victims as Inbar Hayman and Sergeant Major Muhammad al Atarash. Their return brought the total number of recovered bodies to nine out of 28, while 20 living hostages were released earlier this week in a prisoner exchange deal involving 250 Palestinian inmates and 1,718 detainees from Gaza.Netanyahu Pledges Stronger Action
Netanyahu Pledges Stronger Action to Retrieve Remaining Dead Hostages from Gaza
Despite the recent progress, frustration is growing in Israel over Hamas’s failure to return the remaining 19 bodies as required under the recent Gaza ceasefire agreement. The Israeli government has threatened to limit humanitarian aid into Gaza in response to the delay. Meanwhile, Hamas’s military wing said it is still searching for the remaining bodies but claimed that the process requires extensive resources and specialized equipment due to the destruction across the territory. Addressing the nation from Mount Herzl national cemetery in Jerusalem, Netanyahu declared that Israel’s resolve remains unwavering. He stated that Israel’s war on terrorism will continue with full strength and that the government will not tolerate further threats. Our fight against terrorism will continue with full force. We will not allow evil to raise its head. We will exact the full price from anyone who harms us, he said. Since Israel launched its Gaza campaign in retaliation for the October 7 assault, the conflict has caused massive casualties and destruction. According to Gaza’s health ministry, at least 67,967 people have been killed by Israeli air and ground operations. The United Nations considers these figures credible.Netanyahu Pledges Stronger Action
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum in Israel has called on Netanyahu’s government to suspend the ceasefire deal until all bodies are returned. However, U.S. officials have downplayed concerns that Hamas breached the agreement, noting that the group has cooperated with mediators and shared useful information. A leaked version of the ceasefire document suggests that retrieving all remains immediately might not be feasible given the severe damage in Gaza. American advisers have indicated that efforts to move to the next phase of the ceasefire are ongoing. They also mentioned potential rewards for civilians who provide information on the whereabouts of hostages’ remains. In Gaza, Palestinian authorities are identifying the bodies of citizens recently returned by Israel in exchange for the Israeli hostages. The latest handover included 30 more bodies, raising the total to 120. Officials confirmed that aid will continue entering Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing after standard Israeli security inspections, while the Rafah crossing with Egypt remains closed pending further coordination.Netanyahu Pledges Stronger Action
