“Israeli” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that his country's "victory" over Iran in their 12-day war had created "opportunities", first including freeing captives held in Gaza.

 

"Many opportunities have opened up now following this victory. First of all, to rescue the hostages," Netanyahu said in an address to officers of the security services.

 

"Of course, we will also have to solve the Gaza issue, to defeat Hamas, but I estimate that we will achieve both goals," he added.

 

In a statement late Sunday, the main group representing the captives' families welcomed "the fact that after 20 months, the return of the hostages has finally been designated as the top priority by the prime minister".

 

"This is a very important statement that must translate into a single comprehensive deal to bring back all 50 hostages and end the fighting in Gaza," the “Hostages and Missing Families Forum” said.

 

Palestinian armed groups seized 251 captives during the events of October 7, 2023.

 

Of these, 49 are still believed to be held in Gaza, including 27 the “Israeli” military says are dead. Hamas also holds the body of an “Israeli” soldier killed there in 2014.

 

The forum called for the captives’ "release, not rescue".

 

"The only way to free them all is through a comprehensive deal and an end to the fighting, without rescue operations that endanger both the hostages and (Israeli) soldiers."