VIDEO. Israel-Hamas: Netanyahu criticized by families of hostages in parliament

“Now, now, now,” the families of the hostages chanted towards Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, December 25. The prime minister was repeatedly criticized during a speech in parliament in which he explained that Israeli forces needed “more time” to secure their release while continuing their operations in Palestinian territory. In front of him, relatives of hostages held by Hamas for more than 80 days waved signs that read: “What if it was your son? “80 days, every minute is hell.” Angry, they demand their speedy release.

Assuring that he “will spare no effort” to free the hostages, Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that this is only possible if “military pressure” is maintained. “We must not stop the war until we have defeated those who want our lives,” he said. “We won’t stop until we win.” A week-long truce in late November allowed the release of 105 hostages, including 80 in exchange for 240 Palestinians detained in Israel. 129 Israelis remain in captivity.

About 250 people were taken hostage during the deadly Hamas attack on Israeli soil on Oct. 7, which killed about 1,140 people, mostly civilians, according to an Agence France-Presse tally based on the latest official figures. At least 20,057 people, mostly women, children and teenagers, have been killed in the Gaza Strip since the start of the Israeli offensive in retaliation for the attack, according to Hamas’ ruling authorities.