Netanyahu Vows to Free Gaza Hostages, Blames Past Deals for Prolonged War

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that his government is "committed to bringing back all the hostages," adding that intelligence indicates at least 20 captives are still alive in Gaza. Speaking at a televised press conference, he stressed that Israel is pursuing "creative ways" to secure their release while continuing military operations against Hamas. Netanyahu contended that previous pause-for-hostage agreements have lengthened the nine-month war, arguing that defeating Hamas and seizing its remaining strongholds in central Gaza offer the fastest route to ending the conflict and freeing most detainees. He dismissed Hamas’ latest demands for a full Israeli withdrawal and large prisoner releases as "surrender terms that no responsible government would accept."