Official statements from Israeli government or Hamas, major news outlets

Hostage Families Accuse Netanyahu, Demand Protests After Six Bodies Found Amid Hamas Deal Failure

Sep 1, 2024, 07:57 AM

Families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza have issued a strong statement accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of abandoning their loved ones. The families are calling for mass protests, asserting that Netanyahu has failed to secure a deal with Hamas, which has been under negotiation for several months. They warned that 'the country will tremble' and urged the public to 'brace yourselves.' The tension has escalated following the recovery of the bodies of six hostages from Gaza. In response, Netanyahu released a recorded statement expressing sorrow over the deaths and criticized Hamas, stating that those who murder hostages do not want a deal. He emphasized that Hamas has refused to engage in serious negotiations since December, while the Israeli government remains committed to resolving the situation. The recovered hostages include Ori Danino, Almog Sarusi, and Hersh Goldberg-Polin.