Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that his country’s recent military victory over Iran had created new “opportunities,” including the potential release of hostages still held in Gaza.
Speaking to senior security officers, Netanyahu stated, “Many opportunities have opened up now following this victory. First of all, to rescue the hostages.” He also reaffirmed Israel’s objective to defeat Hamas, the Palestinian group controlling Gaza.
“Of course, we will also have to solve the Gaza issue to defeat Hamas, but I estimate that we will achieve both goals,” the Israeli leader added, suggesting the conflict with Iran had shifted the dynamics in Israel’s favour.
In a statement released later on Sunday, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which represents the families of those still held in Gaza, welcomed Netanyahu’s remarks. It noted 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 group said.
During Hamas’s assault on Israel on October 7, 2023, Palestinian militants abducted 251 people. According to the Israeli military, 49 remain captive in Gaza—27 of whom are believed to be dead. Hamas also holds the body of an Israeli soldier killed during the 2014 Gaza conflict.
While Netanyahu spoke of rescuing the captives, the hostages’ families stressed that negotiations—not military action—are the only viable solution. “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 forum said.
Israel launched a sustained military bombardment in Gaza following the October 7 attack, which reportedly killed 1,219 people in Israel, according to Israeli figures.
The ensuing invasion of Gaza has resulted in at least 56,500 deaths, mostly women and children, according to the Gaza health ministry. The United Nations and numerous other organisations regard the figures as credible.
