Netanyahu says returning Gaza hostages will take 'a bit more time'
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday, June 22, insisted gains in the conflict against Iran would help with the country's war footing in Gaza and bringing the hostages home but said "more time" was needed.
"We are getting closer, step by step, to our objectives: defeating Hamas and bringing our hostages home... I am convinced that the operation in Iran is helping us achieve our objective in Gaza," said Netanyahu.
"Our successes in Iran are contributing to the successes in Gaza, but it will still take a bit more time," added the Israeli premier.
They were constantly acting on several fronts, he added, "...but we are getting closer, step by step, to our objectives: defeat Hamas and bring back our hostages."
The Israeli military said Sunday that it had recovered the bodies of three hostages in Gaza more than 20 months after they were abducted by Hamas militants.
Of the 251 hostages seized during the assault, 49 are still held in the Palestinian territory, including 27 the Israeli military says are dead.
Israelis demonstrate regularly to pressure the government to do more to bring the hostages home and Netanyahu has been criticized for what some say is a lack of progress.
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LeMonde
4 hours ago
- LeMonde
Netanyahu says returning Gaza hostages will take 'a bit more time'
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday, June 22, insisted gains in the conflict against Iran would help with the country's war footing in Gaza and bringing the hostages home but said "more time" was needed. "We are getting closer, step by step, to our objectives: defeating Hamas and bringing our hostages home... I am convinced that the operation in Iran is helping us achieve our objective in Gaza," said Netanyahu. "Our successes in Iran are contributing to the successes in Gaza, but it will still take a bit more time," added the Israeli premier. They were constantly acting on several fronts, he added, "...but we are getting closer, step by step, to our objectives: defeat Hamas and bring back our hostages." The Israeli military said Sunday that it had recovered the bodies of three hostages in Gaza more than 20 months after they were abducted by Hamas militants. Of the 251 hostages seized during the assault, 49 are still held in the Palestinian territory, including 27 the Israeli military says are dead. Israelis demonstrate regularly to pressure the government to do more to bring the hostages home and Netanyahu has been criticized for what some say is a lack of progress.
LeMonde
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In Tel Aviv, after Iran's retaliation, residents hope for decisive blow to nuclear threat
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Russia and China push for a ceasefire as UN Security Council meets on Iran
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