Israel’s Netanyahu accused of playing politics with hostages

Condemnation over speech comparing Hamas leader to villain

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been accused of playing politics with the lives of hostages held captive in Gaza, after he compared the Hamas leader in Gaza Yahya Sinwar to Haman from the Book of Esther.

Families condemn Netanyahu's speech

The families of the hostages condemned Netanyahu's speech, saying it showed a "complete lack of empathy" for their suffering.

• "He is playing politics with our loved ones' lives," said the family of one hostage.
• "He is more interested in scoring political points than in securing their release," said another.

Netanyahu accused of harming negotiations

Israeli officials are concerned Netanyahu's statements in recent days could harm ongoing negotiations to secure the release of the hostages.

They say the comments have made it more difficult to build trust with Hamas and could lead to the collapse of the talks.

Gantz resigns from war cabinet

The situation has been further complicated by the resignation of Israeli opposition leader Benny Gantz from the war cabinet.

Gantz said he could no longer serve in the government because of Netanyahu's "reckless" behavior.