PM: Israel to destroy Hamas, return all hostages

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a threat to Hamas on February 8 night, pledging to eliminate the Palestinian Islamist terror group after the release of three Israeli hostages in poor health earlier in the day.

Netanyahu referred to Hamas as “monsters” and stated that US President Donald Trump shared his belief that Hamas must be ousted from power in Gaza, Caliber.Az reports via Israeli media.

He affirmed Israel's commitment to “eliminate the Islamist terror group and return all the remaining hostages.” Government ministers were also shocked by the sight of the weakened and frail hostages, likening them to Holocaust survivors, and demanded the destruction of the organization.

Opposition leaders condemned the dire condition of the hostages as well, stressing that their fragile health made it even more crucial for the government to secure the immediate release of all remaining captives to relieve their suffering.

The three hostages released by Hamas on February 8 — Eli Sharabi, 52, Or Levy, 34, and Ohad Ben Ami, 56 — appeared emaciated and weak as they were freed by the terror group, 16 months after being abducted from Kibbutz Be’eri and the Nova music festival.

The Health Ministry reported that they were suffering from “severe malnutrition” and had lost considerable weight during their 491 days in captivity, based on initial medical evaluations conducted shortly after their release.

“We have once again seen what the Hamas monsters are. They are the same monsters who slaughtered our citizens and abused our captives,” said Netanyahu on February 8 evening.

The prime minister stated that the government would do everything in its power to bring the remaining hostages home, and mentioned that he had instructed the Israeli negotiating team to prioritize ensuring their safety.

“But beyond that, President Trump agreed with me totally: We will do everything to return all the hostages, but Hamas won’t be there. We will eliminate Hamas, and return all our captives,” added Netanyahu, who was in Washington after extending his trip over the weekend in a move criticized by hostage families.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also criticized the international community for accusing Israel of starving Gaza’s population during the war, pointing out that while Hamas fighters and Palestinian civilians “look excellent,” the Israeli hostages were released in a gaunt and frail condition.

“For over a year, the international community danced to the false tunes of the so-called starvation in Gaza propaganda, but the pictures don’t lie,” said Sa’ar. 

“The Hamas terrorists and the Gaza residents look excellent. The Israeli hostages look like Holocaust survivors, and they are the only ones in the pictures who look like they have clearly suffered from malnutrition,” the foreign minister said, accusing Hamas of “committing crimes against humanity” in its treatment of the hostages.

“The Hamas-Nazi evil must be eradicated,” Sa’ar added.

Earlier, Hamas released three Israeli hostages in Gaza, while Israel freed 183 Palestinian prisoners in the latest swap as part of an internationally mediated ceasefire agreement.

The hostages — Eli Sharabi, Ohad Ben Ami, and Or Levy — were handed over to the Red Cross on February 8 morning before being reunited with their families in Israel.

Concerns about their condition have surfaced, with Mr. Sharabi's family, who live in the UK, expressing shock at his "gaunt" appearance.

The returning Palestinian prisoners were met with celebrations in Ramallah, in the occupied West Bank. Representatives stated that they all required "medical care," though no specific details were provided.

Since the ceasefire began on January 19, a total of 21 hostages and 566 prisoners have been released.

By the end of the first stage of the ceasefire in three weeks, it is expected that 33 hostages and 1,900 prisoners will be freed. Israel reports that eight of the 33 hostages are deceased.

By Naila Huseynova