The Hostages Families Forum has lashed out at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after he appeared to acknowledge only the 20 captives Israel believes are still alive in Gaza, leaving out the rest of the 50 officially recognised hostages.
During a late-night press conference, Netanyahu dodged a question on whether he’d accept a partial release deal, instead stating: “I am committed to the release of all 20 of our hostages.”
The forum said his choice of words “erases” the 28 hostages confirmed dead by Israeli intelligence, as well as the remains of an IDF soldier held in Gaza since 2014.
“Assure Israelis you are committed to bringing back everyone — living and dead,” the group urged in a statement. “Clarify that you were wrong. Your commitment should be to all 50 — so the living can be rehabilitated and the dead given a dignified burial.”
Israeli officials say 28 captives were killed either during the October 7 attacks or later in captivity, while two others have been missing for nearly two years, sparking “grave concern” over their fate.
