Lagatar24 Desk
Tel Aviv: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned Hamas for the brutal execution of six hostages whose bodies were recently recovered from Gaza. During a press conference on Monday, Netanyahu stated that the hostages were “shot in the back of the head,” emphasizing the severity of the militants’ actions.
“This is a cold-blooded execution,” Netanyahu said, firmly rejecting the idea of making concessions in the ongoing Gaza ceasefire negotiations. The announcement of the hostages’ deaths, made by Israeli officials on Sunday, has sparked widespread grief and anger in Israel, with many questioning the government’s approach to the crisis and its failure to secure the hostages’ release.
According to Israel’s health ministry, the six hostages were killed at close range shortly before their bodies were recovered from Gaza. The news has intensified public demonstrations, with thousands protesting in Tel Aviv for a second consecutive day, demanding accountability from the government.
Addressing the nation, Netanyahu expressed regret for not being able to save the hostages but called for unity in the face of ongoing conflict. He urged the international community to exert maximum pressure on Hamas to end the hostilities that began after the group’s unprecedented attack on southern Israel on October 7.
“They murdered these people, and now we need maximum pressure on Hamas,” Netanyahu stated, insisting that the militant group must make significant concessions.
In his speech, Netanyahu also emphasized the importance of maintaining Israeli control over the Philadelphi Corridor along the Egypt-Gaza border, a key issue in the ceasefire discussions being mediated by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar. While Hamas is demanding a complete Israeli withdrawal from the corridor, Netanyahu remains steadfast.
“Control of the Philadelphi axis is crucial to ensure that hostages are not smuggled out of Gaza,” he asserted. “I will not give in to pressure.”
Currently, 97 of the 251 people taken hostage during the October 7 attack remain in Gaza, with the Israeli military confirming that 33 of them are deceased.
