Netanyahu Faces Criticism for Prioritizing Politics Over Gaza Deal, Says Hostage’s Daughter

In a recent interview, Inbal Albini Peri, the daughter of an Israeli hostage, accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of placing political interests ahead of a critical ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas. The bodies of her father, Chaim Peri, and five other hostages were recently recovered by Israeli troops from Gaza, bringing a somber closure to a tragic chapter.

A Daughter’s Anguish

Inbal Albini Peri’s father, Chaim Peri, an 80-year-old peace activist, was among the hostages taken by Hamas during the unprecedented attack on southern Israel on October 7. Chaim Peri, who lived in Kibbutz Nir Oz, was abducted after voluntarily leaving the saferoom of his home to protect his wife, Osnat, who was hiding inside. The attack claimed the lives of approximately 1,200 people, and 251 others were taken hostage. More than 40,170 people have been killed in Gaza since then, according to Hamas’s health ministry.

Inbal’s criticism of Netanyahu centers on his handling of the hostage situation. She expressed her disbelief and anger, stating, “I don’t believe a word he is saying.” She believes that her father and his friends from Nir Oz could have been freed if the Israeli government had prioritized negotiations over continued fighting.

Political Priorities Over Human Lives?

Ms. Albini Peri’s comments reflect a deep frustration with what she perceives as Netanyahu’s political calculations. She said that her father and his friends would have been among the first to be released under any agreement with Hamas and that they “should have come back alive.” However, she accused the Prime Minister of having “different priorities,” suggesting that political considerations took precedence over the lives of the hostages.

Netanyahu’s far-right allies have threatened to pull out of his coalition if he agrees to release large numbers of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the hostages. This political pressure has raised concerns that Netanyahu’s decisions are being influenced by the need to maintain his political power rather than prioritizing the safe return of hostages.

International Criticism and Ongoing Negotiations

Netanyahu has also faced criticism from international figures. On Tuesday evening, a senior US administration official criticized him for making what they called “maximalist statements” that were “not constructive to getting a ceasefire deal across the finish line.” This criticism followed reports that Netanyahu had insisted Israeli forces must remain in strategic parts of Gaza, a stance that Hamas rejects.

Despite the ongoing conflict and political turmoil, efforts to negotiate the release of the remaining hostages continue. A deal in November saw Hamas release 105 hostages in exchange for a week-long ceasefire and the freeing of 240 Palestinian prisoners. However, 105 hostages are still being held, with 34 presumed dead.

A Plea for Change

Inbal Albini Peri’s plea is clear: “Bring back all the hostages because they are still alive. And their time is really running out.” She called on the Israeli government to prioritize negotiations over continued military action, emphasizing that the lives of the remaining hostages are at stake.

The situation remains tense as Netanyahu balances political survival with the complex dynamics of the ongoing conflict. For families like the Peris, the pain of loss is compounded by the belief that their loved ones could have been saved if different decisions had been made.