Israel says more than 250 people were kidnapped by Hamas in the October 7 attack
The family of an Israeli hostage has blamed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the “rape” of women kidnapped and detained by the Hamas group.
According to a report in The Jerusalem PostIfat Kalderon, Ofer’s cousin, who is still held captive in Gaza, criticized the Israeli prime minister for failing to secure the release of the Israeli hostages.
During a press conference in Tel Aviv, she criticized Netanyahu, claiming he has repeatedly blasted potential deals that would free her loved ones.
“Because of him (Benjamin Netanyahu), our sisters and daughters are now being raped in Gaza. Because of him, our parents, brothers and children are exposed to torture and death,” Ifat told The Jerusalem Post.
READ ALSO | Hamas father-son duo confess to raping Israeli woman, killing her
Addressing members of the Israeli war cabinet, she urged them to block Netanyahu’s efforts to undermine any hostage deal with Hamas.
“It is your duty to prevent his attempts to frustrate the agreement. If you don’t do this, you will become partners in the crime of abandonment. The blood of those kidnapped who will not return alive will also be on your hands,” he added.
His reaction comes just days after body camera footage released by an Israeli television channel showed bloodied women handcuffed by Hamas and surrounded by dead bodies.
Although the footage was broadcast on May 22, it was recorded during the October 7 attack that triggered the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.
The hostages’ families hoped the 3-minute footage would increase pressure on Netanyahu to negotiate a truce with Hamas and secure their release.
Israel says around 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 kidnapped in the October 7 attack.
This story originally appeared on Ndtv.com read the full story
