Netanyahu Accused of Prioritizing Politics Over Hostage Release in Gaza: A Daughter’s Grief
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has left countless families in anguish, but none more so than those who have lost loved ones or are still awaiting their return. The recent accusation against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by Inbal Albini Peri, the daughter of one of the Israeli hostages, highlights the deepening frustration and anger among those affected by the crisis. This article delves into the painful experiences of the families of the hostages, the political tensions that have exacerbated the situation, and the broader implications of Netanyahu’s decisions.
A Daughter’s Heartache Inbal Albini Peri, the daughter of 80-year-old Chaim Peri, one of the Israeli hostages who lost their lives in Gaza, has publicly condemned Prime Minister Netanyahu. She accuses him of placing “political priorities” over the crucial task of securing a ceasefire and ensuring the safe return of the hostages. Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Ms. Peri expressed her disbelief in Netanyahu’s claims of doing everything possible to bring the hostages home. “I don’t believe a word he is saying,” she stated, calling for an apology from the Prime Minister to the affected families.
Ms. Peri’s father, Chaim Peri, a film lecturer and peace activist, was abducted from his home in Kibbutz Nir Oz during Hamas’s attack on October 7th. Despite his efforts to protect his wife, he was taken hostage and later featured in a video released by Hamas’s military wing in December. Tragically, his family was informed in June that he had been killed during an Israeli military operation in Khan Younis, Gaza. The retrieval of his body, along with those of five other hostages, has brought a bittersweet closure to Ms. Peri and her family. However, the pain of knowing that he might have been freed alive if different decisions had been made haunts them.
Political Priorities Over Human Lives Ms. Peri’s accusation is a powerful indictment of the Israeli government’s handling of the hostage crisis. She believes that her father and others like him could have been freed as part of a negotiated deal, but political considerations took precedence. Netanyahu’s far-right allies have threatened to withdraw from his coalition if he agrees to release large numbers of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the hostages. This political pressure has seemingly influenced Netanyahu’s approach, leading to frustration among the families of the hostages.
The international community has also expressed concern over Netanyahu’s stance. A senior US administration official criticized the Prime Minister for making “maximalist statements” that have hindered progress toward a ceasefire deal. These statements, coupled with Netanyahu’s reported insistence on maintaining Israeli military presence in strategic parts of Gaza, have complicated negotiations and prolonged the suffering of the hostages and their families.
The Human Cost of Political Calculations The conflict has taken a devastating toll on both Israelis and Palestinians. Since the October 7th attack by Hamas, over 1,200 Israelis have been killed, and 251 others have been taken hostage. In response, the Israeli military launched a campaign in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of more than 40,170 people, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry. The human cost of this conflict is staggering, and the suffering of the hostages’ families adds a deeply personal dimension to the tragedy.
Ms. Peri’s plea for the government to prioritize the lives of the hostages over political calculations resonates with many who have lost faith in their leaders. She criticizes Netanyahu’s approach, saying, “It only depended on our government and the mental standing of our prime minister, who had different priorities.” Her frustration is compounded by the belief that negotiations could have led to the release of her father and others before their tragic deaths.
