Israeli Officials Demand Hostage Release, Hold Hamas Accountable at UN

Israeli officials, including Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and President Isaac Herzog, have strongly condemned Hamas for holding approximately 50 hostages in Gaza under harsh conditions, highlighting starvation and torture as deliberate tactics used by the terrorist group. Sa'ar criticized the international community for biased attitudes against Israel and called on the UN Security Council to condemn Hamas's actions and demand the immediate release of the hostages. Herzog emphasized that the hostages' release is key to resolving the Gaza crisis and rejected claims that Israel is responsible for the humanitarian situation, noting the significant aid Israel has permitted into Gaza. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pushing for a decisive military victory to secure the hostages' release, reflecting an understanding that Hamas is not interested in a ceasefire or hostage deal. Hamas, however, stated it would only permit Red Cross access to hostages if humanitarian corridors are opened across Gaza, insisting hostages receive the same treatment as Hamas fighters and Gaza residents. The situation remains tense, with divisions within Israel's security cabinet about whether to intensify military operations or pursue diplomatic efforts.