Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech on Monday was met with accusations of lies and “criminal negligence” by the families of Israeli captives held in Gaza. Netanyahu apologized to the families of six captives whose bodies were recently recovered, pledging not to compromise on Israel’s military presence in the Philadelphi Corridor. However, the so-called Hostages and Missing Families Forum criticized Netanyahu’s lack of prioritizing captive return and accused him of delivering a speech full of lies.

In response to Netanyahu’s press conference, Hamas’ Al-Qassam released a video showing one of the captives pleading for their release. Meanwhile, CNN reported that Netanyahu’s briefing had undermined ongoing negotiations for a captive release-ceasefire deal, with negotiators continuing work despite the recovered bodies. However, Netanyahu’s insistence on Israel retaining control of the Philadelphi Corridor derailed the talks, according to sources familiar with the negotiations.

Source: Israeli media