Rosalind Evans
Families of hostages held captive in Gaza condemned Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech to the United States Congress as pressure grows on the Israeli prime minister to agree to a deal to secure their release.
“The speech and applause won’t erase the one sad fact: The words ‘Deal Now!’ were absent from the prime minister’s address,” The Hostage and Missing Families Forum in Israel said.
Congress Speech Sparks Controversy
Although Netanyahu’s speech drew raucous applause inside Congress, dozens of Democrats refused to attend. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called it “by far the worst presentation of any foreign dignitary invited and honored with the privilege of addressing the Congress of the United States.”
Hostage Families Voice Their Concerns
People gathered at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv to watch Netanyahu’s speech. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum has become a potent political force in Israel since Hamas abducted some 250 people on October 7, and the square is a regular site of protests demanding that the hostages be brought home.
“They came to watch the broadcast of the speech and hear addresses from family members of the hostages, hoping to hear the Prime Minister utter the two crucial words: ‘There’s a deal,’” the Forum stated.
Netanyahu’s Response and Public Reaction
During his nearly 52-minute address, Netanyahu lashed out against critics of Israel’s war in Gaza but did not mention the status of the ceasefire negotiations. Netanyahu told Congress, “The war in Gaza could end tomorrow if Hamas surrenders, disarms and returns all the hostages. But if they don’t, Israel will fight until we destroy Hamas’ military capabilities, end its rule in Gaza, and bring all our hostages home.”
However, Netanyahu faces growing calls to negotiate a deal to secure the hostages’ release. Noam Peri, daughter of Chaim Peri, who the Israeli government last month said died in Hamas captivity, said: “You can no longer save my father, but you must return to our shared values and restore the basic contract between us – before it’s too late. Sign the deal, save the hostages who are alive and fighting for their lives every moment.”
Political Divides and Government Responses
Criticism from families of hostages was echoed by Yair Lapid of the opposition Labor party, who wrote on X: “Disgrace! An hour of talking without saying the one sentence: ‘There will be a kidnapping deal.’” In contrast, members of his government lauded Netanyahu’s speech. Foreign Minister Israel Katz said the “moving and important” speech demonstrates “the strength of the alliance between the US and Israel.” Bezalel Smotrich, the hard-right finance minister and chairman of the Religious Zionist Party, said: “Our Jewish and Israeli hearts are moved and filled with pride on this important occasion.”
Ongoing Conflict and Recent Developments
After Netanyahu’s speech, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced it had retrieved the bodies of five hostages and brought them back to Israel. The bodies of Ravid Katz, Kiril Brodski, Tomer Ahimas, Oren Goldin, and Maya Goren were found during an operation in the Khan Younis area on Wednesday, where the IDF launched a fresh ground offensive this week.
This means that 111 hostages remain in Gaza, including 39 believed to be dead, according to data from Netanyahu’s office. There are eight dual-American citizens believed still to be captive in Gaza, three of whom have been confirmed dead. The Biden administration has not shared information about the five who may still be alive.
International and Domestic Reactions
Despite the warm reception by lawmakers in Congress, about 80 House Democrats skipped Netanyahu’s speech, including US Vice President Kamala Harris. President Joe Biden and Harris are scheduled to meet with Netanyahu at the White House Thursday.
Also among the absentees was Nancy Pelosi, who later blasted Netanyahu’s speech, stating: “Many of us who love Israel spent time today listening to Israeli citizens whose families have suffered in the wake of the October 7th Hamas terror attack and kidnappings. These families are asking for a ceasefire deal that will bring the hostages home – and we hope the Prime Minister would spend his time achieving that goal.”
The speech by Benjamin Netanyahu has sparked a significant controversy, both in Israel and internationally. The families of the hostages are demanding immediate action and a clear plan to secure the release of their loved ones. As the political pressure mounts, it remains to be seen how Netanyahu and his government will respond to these urgent calls for a ceasefire deal.
