Latest news with #HostagesandMissingFamiliesForum
Roya News
3 days ago
- Politics
- Roya News
In lieu of defeating Hamas, Netanyahu elevates release of Gaza captives to top priority
'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that his their "victory" over Iran in their 12-day war had created "opportunities", first including freeing captives held in Gaza. "Many opportunities have opened up now following this victory. First of all, to rescue the hostages," Netanyahu said in an address to officers of the security services. "Of course, we will also have to solve the Gaza issue, to defeat Hamas, but I estimate that we will achieve both goals," he added. In a statement late Sunday, the main group representing the captives' families welcomed "the fact that after 20 months, the return of the hostages has finally been designated as the top priority by the prime minister". "This is a very important statement that must translate into a single comprehensive deal to bring back all 50 hostages and end the fighting in Gaza," the 'Hostages and Missing Families Forum' said. Palestinian armed groups seized 251 captives during the events of October 7, 2023. Of these, 49 are still believed to be held in Gaza, including 27 the 'Israeli' military says are dead. Hamas also holds the body of an 'Israeli' soldier killed there in 2014. The forum called for the captives' "release, not rescue".
The Sun
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Netanyahu sees ‘opportunities' to free Gaza hostages
JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that his country's 'victory' over Iran in their 12-day war had created 'opportunities', including for freeing hostages held in Gaza. 'Many opportunities have opened up now following this victory. First of all, to rescue the hostages,' Netanyahu said in an address to officers of the security services. 'Of course, we will also have to solve the Gaza issue, to defeat Hamas, but I estimate that we will achieve both goals,' he added, referring to his country's campaign to crush the Palestinian militant group. In a statement late Sunday, the main group representing hostages' families welcomed 'the fact that after 20 months, the return of the hostages has finally been designated as the top priority by the prime minister'. 'This is a very important statement that must translate into a single comprehensive deal to bring back all 50 hostages and end the fighting in Gaza,' the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said. Palestinian militants seized 251 hostages during Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Of these, 49 are still believed to be held in Gaza, including 27 the Israeli military says are dead. Hamas also holds the body of an Israeli soldier killed there in 2014. The forum called for the hostages' 'release, not rescue'. 'The only way to free them all is through a comprehensive deal and an end to the fighting, without rescue operations that endanger both the hostages and (Israeli) soldiers.' The October 7 attack triggered a fierce Israeli offensive to destroy Hamas and free the hostages. That campaign has killed at least 56,500 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry. The United Nations considers these figures to be reliable. Hamas's attack resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Netanyahu sees 'opportunities' to free Gaza hostages
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday (June 29, 2025) that his country's "victory" over Iran in their 12-day war had created "opportunities", including for freeing hostages held in Gaza. "Many opportunities have opened up now following this victory. First of all, to rescue the hostages," Mr. Netanyahu said in an address to officers of the security services. "Of course, we will also have to solve the Gaza issue, to defeat Hamas, but I estimate that we will achieve both goals," he added, referring to his country's campaign to crush the Palestinian militant group. In a statement late Sunday, the main group representing hostages' families welcomed "the fact that after 20 months, the return of the hostages has finally been designated as the top priority by the prime minister". "This is a very important statement that must translate into a single comprehensive deal to bring back all 50 hostages and end the fighting in Gaza," the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said. Palestinian militants seized 251 hostages during Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Of these, 49 are still believed to be held in Gaza, including 27 the Israeli military says are dead. Hamas also holds the body of an Israeli soldier killed there in 2014. The forum called for the hostages' "release, not rescue". "The only way to free them all is through a comprehensive deal and an end to the fighting, without rescue operations that endanger both the hostages and (Israeli) soldiers." The October 7 attack triggered a fierce Israeli offensive to destroy Hamas and free the hostages. That campaign has killed at least 56,500 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry. The United Nations considers these figures to be reliable. Hamas's attack resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures.
Mint
3 days ago
- Politics
- Mint
Netanyahu claims Iran victory opens ‘opportunities' to free Gaza hostages
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Sunday that Israel's recent military success against Iran has unlocked new "opportunities" – particularly to free hostages held in Gaza. Speaking to security forces, he linked the 12-day conflict with Iran to progress on two goals: rescuing captives and defeating Hamas. Netanyahu asserted both objectives would be achieved. His remarks come 20 months after Hamas militants abducted 251 people during the October 7, 2023 attacks. Today, 49 hostages remain captive in Gaza, including 27 whom Israel believes are dead. Hamas also holds the body of an Israeli soldier killed in Hostages and Missing Families Forum cautiously welcomed Netanyahu's statement, calling it "very important" that freeing captives is finally the "top priority." However, they stressed this must lead to a single agreement bringing home all hostages and ending the fighting. The group emphasized: "The only way to free them all is through a comprehensive deal... not rescue operations" that risk lives. They urged immediate diplomatic action, noting families have endured agonizing uncertainty since the war began. Netanyahu's comments follow global pressure to prioritize hostage releases as Gaza's humanitarian crisis deepens. The October 7 Hamas attacks killed 1,219 people, mostly civilians. Israel's subsequent military campaign has claimed at least 56,500 lives in Gaza, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry – figures the UN considers reliable. While Netanyahu frames hostage recovery as part of "victory," mediators struggle to restart stalled truce talks. Families maintain only a ceasefire deal can secure their loved ones' return, warning military operations endanger captives. With Ramadan approaching and Gaza's infrastructure devastated, international calls grow louder for a negotiated solution to halt the suffering on both sides.
France 24
4 days ago
- Politics
- France 24
Israeli protesters urge action for Gaza hostages after Iran truce
It was the first rally by hostages' relatives since Israel agreed a ceasefire with Iran on June 24 after a 12-day war, raising hopes that the truce would lend momentum to efforts to end the Gaza conflict and bring the hostages home. Emergency restrictions in place during the war with Iran had prevented the normally weekly rally from taking place. A crowd filled "Hostages Square" in central Tel Aviv, waving Israeli flags and placards bearing the pictures of Israelis seized by Palestinian militants during Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. The deadly attacks prompted Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to launch a fierce military offensive in Gaza, vowing to crush Hamas and free the hostages. Twenty months and several hostage exchanges later, 49 of those seized are still held in Gaza, including 27 the Israeli military says are dead -- raising pressure on Netanyahu's government. "The war with Iran ended in an agreement. The war in Gaza must end the same way -- with a deal that brings everyone home," said the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, the main body representing the relatives, in a statement to mark the rally. Some demonstrators called on US President Donald Trump to help secure a ceasefire in Gaza that would see the captives freed, hailing his backing for Israel in the conflict with Iran. "President Trump, end the crisis in Gaza. Nobel is waiting," read one placard, in reference to a possible peace prize for the US leader. "I call on Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump," one released hostage, Liri Albag, said at the rally.
