Netanyahu vows to free all captives, destroy Hamas ‘monsters’ after hostages released in emaciated condition

Jeremy Sharon is The Times of Israel’s legal affairs and settlements reporter

Top row, left to right: Released hostages Eli Sharabi, Or Levy and Ohad Ben Ami seen on a stage set up by Hamas in Deir el-Balah, central Gaza, before the terror group handed them over to the Red Cross, February 8, 2025. Bottom row, the three Israelis as pictured before they were abducted. (Eyad Baba / AFP; courtesy)
Top row, left to right: Released hostages Eli Sharabi, Or Levy and Ohad Ben Ami seen on a stage set up by Hamas in Deir el-Balah, central Gaza, before the terror group handed them over to the Red Cross, February 8, 2025. Bottom row, the three Israelis as pictured before they were abducted. (Eyad Baba / AFP; courtesy)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatens the Hamas terror group following the release of the three hostages on Saturday in emaciated condition, saying “their blood is on their heads,” and vowing to destroy the Islamist group.

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

The prime minister says the government will do everything to return all the remaining hostages, adding that he has given instructions to the Israeli negotiating team to demand 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,” Netanyahu adds.

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