Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that the primary goal of the ongoing Gaza conflict is not the return of hostages, despite efforts to bring back 59 hostages held in Gaza. Addressing a gathering, Netanyahu emphasized that while Israel is committed to securing the return of the hostages, the central aim of the military operation is to defeat the enemy.
His comments have sparked strong reactions from the families of the hostages, with one mother of a captive stating to local media, “From today, my goal is to remove Netanyahu from power.” A forum representing the families of the hostages also issued a statement, demanding that the government make the release of the hostages its “top priority.”
For months, the families and their supporters have been calling for the Israeli government to reach a ceasefire agreement that would ensure the immediate release of all hostages in Gaza. They argue that the ongoing conflict should not overshadow the urgent need to secure their loved ones’ freedom.
In a related development, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that fewer than 24 hostages are believed to be alive in Gaza. He referred to the case of U.S. citizen and Israeli soldier, Aidan Alexander, who was being held hostage by Hamas. Trump’s comments came during a call with Alexander’s parents, in which he expressed uncertainty about their son’s condition, saying, “I hope he is okay.”
Trump mentioned that, until recently, they were optimistic about Alexander’s release, but noted that Hamas had imposed stricter conditions for negotiations. Aidan Alexander is believed to be the last remaining American hostage in Gaza. However, following a recent Israeli airstrike, Hamas reported that contact was lost with the personnel guarding Alexander. Later reports revealed that the body of one of the guards was found at the strike site, but information about the others remains unclear.
The situation continues to evolve as international pressure mounts for a resolution that addresses both the ongoing conflict and the safe return of hostages.
