Benjamin Netanyahu: We will free the hostages and eliminate Hamas

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a statement today (Saturday) following the return of three more hostages from Hamas captivity in exchange for dozens more terrorists.

According to the video statement, Netanyahu said:

"Or, Eli and Ohad returned home today.

"Sarah and I embrace them and their dear families. Once again we saw what Hamas monsters are. These are the same monsters who massacred our civilians and abused our hostages.

"And I say to them again: their blood is on their heads. We will do everything to bring back all our hostages. We will ensure their safety. This is the directive I gave to the delegation - to tell this to the mediators, and to demand it.

"But beyond that, President Trump completely agreed with me: we will do everything to bring back all the hostages, but Hamas will not be there. We will eliminate Hamas, and we will bring back our hostages. This is the directive - and so we shall do."

Earlier today, the Prime Minister's Office stated that the "shocking" images of the poor condition of the three hostages released today by the Hamas terrorists will not go unaddressed.

Netanyahu's office further stated that "due to the serious condition of the three hostages and the repeated violations by the Hamas terrorist organization, Prime Minister Netanyahu has instructed to not allow the situation to go unaddressed, and to take appropriate measures."

Israeli leaders and hostage groups alike expressed outrage at the emaciated and poor physical condition of Eli Sharabi, Or Lavy, and Ohad Ben Ami following their release from Hamas captivity, not just the Prime Minister.

President Isaac Herzog was one of them, saying that "This is what a crime against humanity looks like!

"The whole world must look directly at Ohad, Or, and Eli — returning after 491 days of hell, starved, emaciated and pained — being exploited in a cynical and cruel spectacle by vile murderers. We take solace in the fact that they are being returned alive to the arms of their loved ones.

"Since her release from captivity, Raz, Ohad’s wife, along with their three brave daughters — Yulie, Ella, and Natalie — have led a determined struggle in Israel and around the world for his return.

"Or and his wife Einav came to celebrate at the Nova festival. Hamas terrorists murdered Einav and abducted Or to Gaza. Their son, Almog — "Mogi" — only three years old, was cared for by their loving families through this terrible ordeal, and finally has his daddy back.

"The tragedy of the Sharabi family is etched into the nation’s consciousness. Eli’s wife, Lianne, and their two daughters, Noiya and Yahel, were murdered on October 7 in Be’eri. His brother, Yossi, was kidnapped and did not survive captivity — we must bring him back to be laid to rest in dignity. Eli and Yossi’s mother, Hanna, and their siblings Sharon and Osnat have dedicated all their strength to the struggle for their return, together with their incredible family.

"Completing the hostage deal is a humanitarian, moral, and Jewish duty. It is essential to bring back all our sisters and brothers from the hell of captivity in Gaza — every last one of them!"