Netanyahu: The release of the hostages cannot be done under any circumstances

2024-02-21 07:55:33Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
Netanyahu: The release of the hostages cannot be done under any circumstances
Benjamin Netanyahu

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said the Jewish state would "pay no price" for the return of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip. 

Asked about the 134 prisoners still in the Palestinian enclave, Smotrich told broadcaster Kan that their return was "very important" but that they could not be freed "at all costs" and that the way to free them was to increase of military pressure in the Gaza Strip and defeating Hamas. 

Smotrich's words sparked outrage from opposition leader Yair Lapid and the families of the hostages, but shortly afterwards Netanyahu's office released a statement echoing the minister's stance:

" There is a lot of pressure on Israel, at home and abroad, to stop fighting before we achieve all of our objectives, including an agreement to release the hostages at any cost.

We are not willing to pay any price: certainly not the illusory cost that Hamas demands of us, which would mean the loss of the state of Israel. "- Prime Minister Netanyahu's office announced.


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