Hostage’s Daughter Accuses Netanyahu of Prioritizing Politics Over Gaza Deal

Inbal Albini Peri, daughter of Chaim Albini, one of six Israeli hostages whose bodies were recovered from Gaza by the Israeli military, has criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for allegedly prioritizing political considerations over a ceasefire and hostage release agreement. Peri, speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, expressed her belief that her 80-year-old father and his companions should have been among the first to be freed under any potential deal with Hamas, insisting they “should have come back alive.”

Netanyahu has claimed that he is doing everything possible to secure the release of all hostages taken during the Hamas attack on October 7. However, Peri expressed skepticism about these assurances, stating, “I don’t believe a word he is saying,” and added that she wants Netanyahu to apologize to her family and others affected, admitting he was wrong.

Peri did not provide a detailed explanation of what she meant by “political priorities” but it is understood to relate to Netanyahu’s political challenges. The prime minister’s far-right allies have threatened to withdraw from his coalition if he agrees to release large numbers of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails in exchange for hostages, creating a political dilemma for Netanyahu.

On Tuesday evening, a senior U.S. official criticized Netanyahu for what they described as “maximalist statements” that were seen as unhelpful to achieving a ceasefire. This followed reports that Netanyahu had suggested to U.S. Secretary of State that Israeli forces must maintain a presence in strategic areas of Gaza, a condition Hamas opposes.

The Israeli military’s campaign in Gaza, initiated in response to the unprecedented Hamas attack on October 7, has led to significant casualties. Around 1,200 people were killed in the attack, and 251 were taken hostage. Since then, over 40,000 people have died in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

In November, a temporary agreement allowed for the release of 105 hostages in exchange for a week-long ceasefire and the release of approximately 240 Palestinian prisoners. Currently, Israel reports that 105 hostages remain in captivity, with 34 presumed dead.

On Tuesday morning, Peri was informed that Israeli troops had recovered the bodies of her father and five other hostages—David Metzger, Michael Popplewell, Alexander Dancyg, Avraham Munder, and Yagev Buchshtab—from tunnels in Khan Younis. Peri acknowledged that while this recovery provides some closure, it is not a source of happiness, but rather a painful end to their ordeal.

Despite the recovery of these bodies, Peri expressed frustration that her father and his friends from Nir Oz were not rescued alive. She blamed the Israeli government and Netanyahu’s “political priorities” for the failure to secure their release. Peri urged for negotiations to replace continued fighting, noting that the ongoing conflict has proven ineffective for more than ten months.

When asked if she had addressed her concerns directly with Netanyahu or other government officials, Peri responded that while various members of the government had reached out and tried to assist, she believes that if the leadership is flawed, it undermines the effectiveness of their efforts.

Peri emphasized the need for a meaningful deal to bring back all hostages, expressing concern for both the hostages’ survival and the safety of soldiers risking their lives to recover bodies. She urged for immediate action to resolve the situation and prevent further loss of life.

In response, Netanyahu’s office stated that his primary focus remains on defeating Hamas and achieving victory. At the same time, he reiterated his commitment to securing the return of hostages under terms that maximize their release. Netanyahu acknowledged the significant pressure both domestically and internationally while reaffirming his efforts to protect Israel’s strategic interests.