Official Israeli government announcements or major news outlets

Netanyahu Apologizes for Six Hostage Deaths, Vows Repercussions for Hamas, Stresses Philadelphi Corridor Control

Sep 2, 2024, 05:33 PM

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly apologized to the families of six hostages, including Alexander Lobanov, killed by Hamas in Gaza, expressing regret for not being able to rescue them alive. The hostages' bodies were recovered by the Israeli Defense Forces. Netanyahu has vowed that Hamas will face severe repercussions for the killings. He emphasized the strategic importance of maintaining control over the Philadelphi Corridor, a key area along the Gaza-Egypt border, which he described as essential for preventing arms smuggling and ensuring Israel's security. Netanyahu rejected any notion of withdrawing from the corridor, arguing that such a move would embolden Hamas and compromise Israel's security.