Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel “must stand united as one”, as he faces increasing pressure both at home and abroad to strike a deal to end the conflict in Gaza.
Speaking in an address to the nation, the Israeli prime minister called for unity following large-scale protests over the death of six more hostages in Gaza.
He issued an apology to the families of the hostages that Israeli forces could not return them safely. He also insisted Hamas would pay a “heavy price” for their deaths.
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It comes after an estimated 500,000 people took to the streets across Israel on Sunday, including 300,000 in Tel Aviv, to express their anger after the deaths of six more hostages were confirmed over the weekend.
The protests are thought to be the largest Mr Netanyahu has faced since the war in Gaza broke out nearly 11 months ago.
Mr Netanyahu accused Hamas of killing all six hostages in “cold blood” and said Israel would hold the group accountable.
The Israeli Health Ministry said post mortem examinations had determined the hostages had been shot at close range and died on Thursday or Friday.
However, Hostage Families Forum, which organised the protests, blamed the Israeli government for the deaths, saying the hostages could have been returned alive if a deal had been struck with Hamas to end the conflict in Gaza.
“The delay in signing the deal has led to their deaths and those of many other hostages,” they said in a statement.
People called for the immediate return of hostages held in Gaza outside in Jerusalem on Sunday. Pic: Reuters
Read more: Who are the six Israeli hostages confirmed dead?
US President Joe Biden added to the pressure by saying Mr Netanyahu was not doing enough to reach a deal for a ceasefire and hostage release.
The outgoing US president nonetheless said a final hostage deal between Israel and Hamas was “very close”.
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It is believed 101 people kidnapped by Hamas on 7 October are still inside Gaza – 35 of which are thought to have died.
Israel has been waging a war on Gaza since Hamas’ attack 11 months ago, which saw 1,200 people murdered in southern Israel and 250 taken hostage.
The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza says at least 40,786 Palestinians have now been killed in Israeli strikes on the densely populated enclave of Gaza since the war broke out.
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