Netanyahu meets with families of kidnapped and missing victims of Hamas attack
US envoy for hostage affairs pledges assistance
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday evening met with Israeli families of victims who were kidnapped and taken hostage during the deadly Hamas invasion on Oct. 7.
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) released a video of a somber Netanyahu with the families, exchanging hugs and words of condolence.
The Government Press Office did not provide any details on what specifically was said during the meeting.
A group of families issued a statement afterward, stating that Netanyahu promised to work toward the return of their loved ones being held captives.
“Netanyahu told the families that one of the goals of the war is the return of the captive and missing,” read the statement.
Some families were upset with National Security Council Chief Tzachi Hanegbi issued a statement: “Israel will not hold negotiations with an enemy that we have vowed to wipe from the face of the earth.”
The families said the prime minister assured them that Hanegbi's statement did not represent his opinion on the matter.
Israel’s military has so far notified 199 families that their members were taken hostage by Hamas.
On Monday, the PMO reported that Brig.-Gen. (Ret.) Gal Hirsch, Coordinator for the Captives and Missing, held a second meeting with U.S. Deputy Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Steven Gillen, who arrived in Israel with his team.
"I thank you for standing alongside Israel and greatly appreciate the assistance," Hirsch told Gillen and his team.
The second meeting was held at the IDF Home Front Command headquarters, at the national control center for the families of captives and abducted.
Gillen was briefed on the center's activities and reiterated America's steadfast commitment to the security of Israel and to the return of the captives, telling Hirsch he was at the disposal of the State of Israel and affirming he would do everything necessary to help it.
The All Israel News Staff is a team of journalists in Israel.
