Israeli media reports say Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu considers victory over Hamas more important than the return of hostages taken by the terror group. The release of the exiles is "a very important goal," he told media in Jerusalem. According to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, the "ultimate goal" is victory over Israel's enemies.
According to information from Israel, 24 hostages and 35 bodies of the kidnapped are still being held in the Gaza Strip. Relatives of the hostages have long accused Netanyahu of endangering the lives of those who have been kidnapped with military operations.
The media also report that the Israeli leadership is expected to decide on Friday (02.05) to expand and escalate the attacks on the Gaza Strip.
Anger over Netanyahu's statement
The mother of one of the abductees reportedly reacted angrily to Netanyahu's statements: Since he has more important goals than the release of her son, who has been held for a year and a half in chains and is forced to drink water from the toilet, her goal now is to overthrow the head of the Israeli government in order to return her son, she told the media.
The Hostage Families Forum also reacted with horror. The return of the kidnapped is no less important, but the main goal that the Israeli government should strive for, this forum said in a statement. The relatives of the kidnapped are worried. /DW (A2 Televizion)
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