Amid outrage over hostage deaths, PM Netanyahu accuses Hamas of killing hostages, rejecting deal

‘Whoever murders hostages - does not want a deal,’ says PM

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As people across Israel expressed outrage over the discovery of the bodies of six more Israeli hostages, believed to have been murdered in the last few days, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a video on Sunday afternoon blaming Hamas for their deaths.

While many Israeli politicians from across the political spectrum released statements within minutes of the IDF’s announcement, Netanyahu took several hours to release an official statement, which came in the form of a video address to the nation.

According to the premier, the murders of the hostages show that Hamas is not interested in a ceasefire-hostage release deal.

"This is a difficult day for us,” Netanyahu said in the video address to the nation. “Together with all citizens of Israel, I was outraged to the depths of my soul by the horrific, cold-blooded murder of six of our hostages. May G-d avenge them. Together with the entire nation, my wife and I share in the families' deep mourning.”

Netanyahu thanked Israel Defense Forces and Shin Bet forces in Gaza for risking their lives to locate and return the hostages back to Israel.

“I would like to express deep appreciation for our forces, for the brave IDF soldiers and ISA fighters, who risked their lives in order to return our sons and daughters.”

The prime minister also threatened Hamas leadership, saying, “We will settle accounts with you.”

“I say to the Hamas terrorists who murdered our hostages, and I say to their leaders: You will pay the price. We will not rest, nor will be silent. We will pursue you; we will find you, and we will settle accounts with you.”

Referring to the deaths of the hostages and the three police officers killed on Sunday morning, Netanyahu said that Israel is “fighting on all fronts against a brutal enemy who wants to murder us all.”

He noted “the inconceivable brutality of the Hamas murderers on October 7” and “in the tunnels under Rafah,” and said Israel must “do everything so that it [Hamas] will be unable to perpetrate these atrocities again.”

The Israeli prime minister also blamed Hamas for not negotiating in good faith.

“Our efforts to free our hostages are continuing constantly. Since December, Hamas has refused to hold genuine negotiations.”

The State of Israel agreed to the May 27 hostage release deal with full backing from the United States, Netanyahu said, however, “Hamas refused.”

He also stated: "Even after the US updated the deal framework on August 16 – we agreed, and Hamas again refused.”

“Hamas is continuing to steadfastly refuse all proposals,” Netanyahu claimed. “Even worse, at the exact same time, it murdered six of our hostages. Whoever murders hostages – does not want a deal.”

IDF Spokesman Brig.-Gen. Daniel Hagari said Hamas murdered the hostages shortly before the IDF discovered their bodies on Saturday afternoon, while Hamas blamed their deaths on “Zionist bombing.”

Netanyahu has faced increasing criticism from local press and opposition politicians over his refusal to surrender the Philadelphi Corridor along the border of Gaza and Egypt.

After months of warnings from Egypt and Western nations not to enter Rafah or the Philadelphi Corridor, IDF troops finally entered after the collapse of talks in May.

After seizing control of the corridor, the IDF discovered hundreds of tunnels in the area, including at least 20 large tunnels that crossed into Egyptian territory.

Egypt has denied any knowledge of the tunnels or any smuggling activities in the area. However, most analysts believe the Egyptian government was aware and likely profiting from it.

Following the announcement of a general strike in Israel over the failure to secure a hostage deal, Hebrew media reports cited a source from last Thursday's Security Cabinet meeting who stated that Mossad Director David Barnea backed Netanyahu's decision to maintain control of the Philadelphi Corridor.