Netanyahu threatens to seize territory in Gaza unless hostages are released

Of the 251 hostages seized during Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023 which triggered the war, 58 are still held in Gaza, including 34 the Israeli military says are dead Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at a memorial ceremony for those killed by Hamas during the October 7, 2023 attack, in Jerusalem, on October 28, 2024. AP File Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday warned Hamas that Israel would seize territory in Gaza if the militants refused to release hostages still held in the Palestinian territory. Of the 251 hostages seized during Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023 which triggered the war, 58 are still held in Gaza, including 34 the Israeli military says are dead. The first phase of a ceasefire that took effect on January 19 saw Hamas release 33 Israeli and dual national hostages, including eight deceased, and Israel free around 1,800 Palestinian detainees.