- Netanyahu apologises over hostage deaths as protests continue
- More could be “returned to their families in shrouds” if a ceasefire is not reached
- Thousands of Israelis took to the streets for a second night, demanding deal
Netanyahu apologises over hostage deaths as protests continue
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has apologised to Israelis for failing to rescue six hostages who were found dead in Gaza on Saturday. This comes as Hamas warned that more hostages could be “returned to their families in shrouds” if a ceasefire is not reached.
Netanyahu’s comments were made amid growing protests in Israel against his handling of the hostage negotiations. Thousands of Israelis took to the streets for a second night, demanding the safe return of the hostages, who were kidnapped by Hamas nearly 11 months ago. A total of 97 hostages remain unaccounted for.
Tensions have also risen internationally, with the UK suspending some arms sales to Israel due to concerns about potential violations of international law.
Despite mounting pressure, Netanyahu remained defiant, insisting that Israeli forces must maintain control over Gaza’s Philadelphi Corridor, a key point of contention in negotiations with Hamas.
Protests intensified outside Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem, where police reportedly used aggressive tactics, including forcefully pushing demonstrators and detaining them. One incident involved a police officer reportedly squeezing a journalist’s throat.