Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said defeating Hamas remains the top objective in Gaza, though returning hostages is also a key priority.

At an Independence Day event, he stated that 147 hostages have been brought back alive, with around 24 believed to still be alive.

His comments, echoing far-right members of his coalition, drew criticism from hostage families, who argue that rescuing hostages should be the government’s main focus, The Hill has reported.

Meanwhile, humanitarian aid remains severely restricted, raising international concerns about civilian suffering and starvation in Gaza.

Written by B.C. Begley