'Anyone Who Murders Hostages Doesn't Want Ceasefire Deal': PM Netanyahu on Israelis Found Dead

Jerusalem: The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have identified six Israeli hostages who were found dead in the Gaza Tunnel near Rafah; these hostages include an Israeli-American and most of them were taken away by Hamas from a music festival during the October 7 Hamas Attack.

The recovery of the hostages has sparked massive protests against PM Netanyahu; the Israeli Prime Minister has now reacted to these deaths.

PM Netanyahu First Reaction to 6 Hostages Found Dead in Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed sorrow over the deaths of six hostages, saying the killings prove that Hamas does not want a cease-fire deal.

Netanyahu said Sunday that he was heartbroken to hear the news of the hostages' deaths.

He accused Hamas of killing them in “cold blood” and said Israel would hold the group accountable. He also accused the group of scuttling ongoing cease-fire efforts.

‘Whoever Murders Hostages, Doesn’t Want Ceasefire Deal'

“Whoever murders hostages doesn't want a deal,” he said.

Critics in Israel have accused Netanyahu of dragging his feet in cease-fire talks — a charge he denies. 

Protests Against Netanyahu Erupt

The recovery and identification of the killed hostages has sparked calls for mass protests against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who many families of hostages and much of the wider Israeli public blame for failing to bring them back alive in a deal with Hamas to end the 10-month-old war. Negotiations over such a deal have dragged on for months.

A forum of hostage families called for a massive protest on Sunday, demanding a “complete halt of the country” to push for the implementation of a cease-fire and hostage release.“

A deal for the return of the hostages has been on the table for over two months. Were it not for the delays, sabotage, and excuses those whose deaths we learned about this morning would likely still be alive. It’s time to bring our hostages home,” it said in a statement.

(Inputs from AP)