WATCH: Netanyahu doubles down on Gaza policies, IDF actions amid civilian casualties

Responding to a question by CNN, Netanyahu rejects calls to alter humanitarian and combat strategies

Listen to article

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has doubled down on Israel's policies in Gaza, rejecting calls to alter humanitarian and combat strategies despite growing concerns over civilian casualties.

In a press conference on Wednesday, Netanyahu defended the actions of Israel Defense Forces' (IDF) actions and emphasised that control of Gaza's Philadelphi corridor remains non-negotiable.

Responding to a question by CNN’s Jeremy Diamond regarding civilian deaths in Gaza, Netanyahu reiterated his commitment to Israel's military objectives.

"I won’t change our humanitarian policies, vaccination policies, or combat policies," Netanyahu said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has come under renewed criticism after a recent report revealed he introduced last-minute demands that stalled a potential hostage and ceasefire deal that happened in July, prolonging the conflict.

The report cites an internal Israeli document that details the additional demands made during negotiations.

These demands have sparked frustration among hostage families, who accuse the prime minister of prioritising political gain over their loved ones’ release.

Hostage families' outrage grew over the weekend when the bodies of six hostages, including Carmel Gat, Aden Yerushalmi, and Hersh Goldberg-Polin, were found in Gaza.

They were reportedly slated for release under a previous draft agreement in May.

The Hostages Families Forum said the discovery of their bodies was "a direct result of Netanyahu’s thwarting of the deals."

Frustration with Netanyahu’s leadership has continued to mount in Israel, with protests entering their fourth consecutive day since the discovery of the hostages’ bodies.

Demonstrators have gathered outside the IDF's headquarters in Tel Aviv, calling for Netanyahu to secure a deal and bring the hostages home.

In response to the growing hostility, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum has demanded that Netanyahu stop wearing the yellow ribbon, a symbol of solidarity with the hostages, accusing him of exploiting the symbol for political gain.