Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed optimism about the return of hostages from Hamas, highlighting that increasing pressure on the group is beginning to yield results. “We are determined to return them all. The conditions for returning them are becoming ripe, for the simple reason that we are putting very strong pressure on Hamas. We see a certain change, and I think that this change will increase,” Netanyahu stated.
On Monday, July 22, 2024, Prime Minister Netanyahu and his wife Sara met with representatives of hostage families and bereaved families in Washington. This marked their first meeting during their diplomatic visit to the US. Among the participants were soldiers who had fought on October 7 and in Gaza, as well as representatives of families who had lost loved ones in the conflict.
Netanyahu emphasized the importance of American support in their efforts to secure the release of all hostages, both living and deceased. “This is an important visit, which will give us the opportunity to bring before the representatives of the American people, and the American people themselves, the importance of their support for our efforts to bring about the release of all of the hostages,” he said. He also acknowledged the recent discovery of two hostages who were confirmed deceased.
He reiterated his commitment to balancing humanitarian objectives with the imperative to maintain Israel’s security. “I am doing everything in my power to combine the necessary humanitarian objective and the imperative to return the hostages, and at the same time, preserve the existence of the State of Israel,” Netanyahu said. He stressed the importance of not compromising on victory over Hamas, citing the broader threat posed by Iran.
Netanyahu conveyed hope and determination, urging families not to lose faith. “Do not lose hope; we will realize it,” he concluded. The meeting also included senior Israeli officials, highlighting the coordinated efforts to address the hostage crisis.–News Desk