The father of an Israeli soldier held hostage in Gaza has publicly criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of prioritizing political survival over the lives of captives. In an emotional statement made on Sunday, Hagai Angrest, father of Matan Angrest, called out Netanyahu for continuing the war while failing to secure the return of hostages. His remarks were made after hearing Netanyahu’s speech at Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square.
Political Decision Over Human Lives:
Angrest expressed deep disappointment with Netanyahu’s stance, claiming that the prime minister is choosing his own political interests over the safety of Israeli soldiers and hostages. “Across the world, everyone is calling for a ceasefire and the return of hostages,” said Angrest. “But instead, we see a prime minister sending more soldiers to fight, while leaving the hostages behind.”
He continued, “We were promised that this war would not end without securing the hostages’ release. Yet, now it seems Netanyahu is sacrificing the hostages for his own political survival.”
Netanyahu’s Defense of Continued War:
In response, Prime Minister Netanyahu defended his position in a televised speech on Saturday. He argued that continuing the war is the only option, claiming that any ceasefire deal would undermine the progress made in the conflict. Netanyahu also addressed a proposal from Hamas, which allegedly involved the release of half of the Israeli hostages and many of the deceased captives in exchange for halting the conflict. Netanyahu rejected this as an “unacceptable” proposal.
The prime minister also dismissed calls for an immediate ceasefire, insisting that ending the war without fulfilling Israel’s objectives would weaken its position.
Hamas’s Offer for Ceasefire and Hostage Release:
Meanwhile, Hamas has reiterated its willingness to negotiate for the release of all Israeli hostages in exchange for a full ceasefire, an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and international reconstruction efforts. In a statement on Thursday, Hamas leader Khalil Al-Hayya expressed his commitment to a peaceful resolution.
However, an Israeli government spokesperson responded to the offer, stating that retrieving all the captives in a single deal is not feasible. This continues to fuel a growing divide between the two sides over the conditions for peace.
The Hostage Crisis:
Currently, Israeli officials estimate that 59 individuals remain in Gaza, with 24 believed to still be alive. The hostage crisis has captured global attention, as the humanitarian cost of the conflict continues to rise.
Palestinian Prisoners and Casualties:
On the other hand, over 9,500 Palestinians are reportedly detained in Israel, with reports of inhumane conditions including torture, starvation, and medical neglect. Rights groups from both Israel and Palestine have documented these issues.
The ongoing violence has led to significant casualties, with more than 51,200 Palestinians killed since October 2023. A significant number of these victims are women and children.
International Accountability and Legal Actions:
The situation has drawn condemnation from international bodies. In November 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the Gaza conflict.
Moreover, Israel is facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), where its military actions in Gaza are under legal scrutiny.
