Netanyahu: Hostage Killers ‘Don’t Want Peace Deal’ as Six Bodies Found

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to “settle the score” with Hamas following the recovery of six hostages’ bodies from a tunnel in Gaza. In his recent statement, Netanyahu openly warned Hamas leaders, saying, “We will hunt you down, we will catch you and we will settle the score.”

Amid rising tensions, Netanyahu also accused Hamas of a shooting attack near Hebron in the occupied West Bank, which resulted in the death of three police officers. Emphasizing the ongoing threat posed by Hamas, he stated, “We are fighting on all fronts against a cruel enemy who wants to murder us all.”

Hamas did not claim responsibility for this latest attack but characterized it as a “heroic operation by the resistance.” The spread of violence in the West Bank highlights the ongoing conflict between Israeli forces and Hamas, raising concerns over regional stability.

In a separate development, Yair Lapid, the leader of the Israeli opposition, has called for a nationwide strike to pressure the government into securing the release of additional hostages still held captive in Gaza. Lapid urged every Israeli affected by the recent tragic news to join a protest in Tel Aviv.

The discovery of the bodies left approximately 100 hostages still unaccounted for in Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that at least 35 hostages are known to have died since the conflict escalated on October 7.

The conflict also has wider implications on public health in the region. Palestinian health authorities, along with UN agencies, have launched a large-scale vaccination campaign against polio, aimed at inoculating children in Gaza. Authorities plan to vaccinate around 640,000 children, with the campaign initially focusing on central Gaza before progressing to more severely impacted areas.

The World Health Organization confirmed that Israel has allowed limited pauses in fighting to facilitate this important health initiative. However, reports suggest that Israel continues to conduct airstrikes, which have resulted in additional casualties.

Netanyahu has reiterated that the “humanitarian pauses” agreed upon by Israel are not to be considered a ceasefire, and that military operations will continue as necessary.

In a message of defiance, Netanyahu expressed that those who murder hostages do not desire any peace agreement. He highlighted the ongoing negotiations that have encountered significant obstacles, particularly concerning military control along Gaza’s borders. Hamas is demanding a full withdrawal of Israeli forces, creating a deadlock in discussions over the hostages’ fate.

Meanwhile, the tensions in the West Bank are palpable as Israeli forces continue their military presence in Jenin, where they have reportedly destroyed properties and infrastructure as part of their operations. Reports indicate that at least 14 Palestinians have died in clashes since the onset of this offensive.

As families of the six recovered hostages mourn their loss, the Hostages Families Forum has made strong statements accusing the Israeli government of failing to secure the release of hostages through negotiations, leading to the tragic deaths. The organization has called for mass protests against Netanyahu’s administration, stating, “The abandonment is over,” indicating a potential escalation in public unrest.

US President Joe Biden has sympathized with the plight of those affected, promising accountability for Hamas leaders while asserting that efforts are being made to secure a deal for the remaining hostages.

In this volatile atmosphere, voices from both sides of the conflict continue to call for action, whether through protests or military responses, as the situation develops in a complex cycle of violence and personal tragedy.

Source: Associated Press