Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he is determined to increase pressure on Hamas to locate and recover the bodies of hostages who were killed during the ongoing conflict. His remarks came during a cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, where he outlined Israel’s priorities as negotiations over hostages continue to face delays and obstacles.
Renewed pressure on Hamas
Netanyahu stated that Hamas has continued to withhold information about the fate of several hostages taken during the October 7 attacks. Some of the hostages are believed to have been killed in captivity. He emphasized that Israel would not stop its efforts until every hostage — living or deceased — is returned.
“We are determined to bring everyone back,” Netanyahu said. “This includes those who were murdered by Hamas. Their families deserve to know the truth, and we will not rest until their remains are returned for proper burial.”
Diplomatic and military strategy
The Israeli government has been working through diplomatic channels with Egypt, Qatar, and the United States to pressure Hamas into cooperating on hostage issues. Officials say negotiations remain complicated, as Hamas has used the hostages as leverage in ceasefire talks. Netanyahu’s statement reflects growing frustration within Israel over the pace of progress.
Military officials have also confirmed that intelligence operations are continuing in Gaza to track hostage locations. These include joint efforts between the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), intelligence agencies, and international partners.
Families demand action
The families of hostages have played a central role in pushing the government to act. Over the past week, thousands have gathered outside the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem and the Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv, calling for faster action and clear answers. Many families have expressed anger over the lack of updates, especially regarding those believed to be deceased.
“We need to know what happened to our loved ones,” one relative told Israeli media. “Bringing them home — even their bodies — is a moral duty of the state.”
International response and pressure
The United States and several European countries have also urged Hamas to provide information on the remaining hostages. U.S. officials have said that the recovery of both living and deceased hostages is an essential step toward any sustainable ceasefire agreement.
Netanyahu has used these international calls to strengthen Israel’s position, making it clear that the government will not agree to a long-term truce without progress on the hostage issue.
A defining moment
As the war continues, the fate of the hostages remains a deeply emotional and political issue in Israel. Netanyahu’s latest statement signals that his government is preparing to use both diplomatic and military tools to apply maximum pressure.
For many Israelis, the return of the hostages — alive or not — has become a symbol of national unity, justice, and closure for families who have endured months of uncertainty.