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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently concluded his first meeting in Washington as part of his diplomatic visit, focusing on a deeply personal issue: the Israeli-American hostages held by Hamas.

 

The meeting, which took place earlier on Tuesday, Indian time, was attended by the families of these hostages, as well as soldiers who had fought in the recent conflict.

 

Netanyahu addressed the families with a message of commitment and resolve. He expressed his determination to balance the humanitarian goals of securing the hostages' return with the need to maintain Israel’s security and sovereignty. He emphasised his unwavering stance against Hamas, noting that surrendering to Hamas would pose a grave threat from Iran and its allies.

 

During the meeting, Netanyahu was accompanied by his wife, Sara, and was joined by representatives of bereaved families who have lost loved ones in the conflict.

 

The presence of these families highlighted the personal toll of the ongoing hostilities. Netanyahu spoke about the pressure being applied to Hamas, noting that conditions for the hostages’ return were improving due to this pressure. He expressed optimism that this pressure would lead to positive developments in the near future.

 

The Israeli Prime Minister described his visit to the United States as a crucial opportunity to emphasise the significance of American support for Israel. He was accompanied by senior Israeli officials, including the Director of the National Security Council, the Director General of the Prime Minister’s Office, the Cabinet Secretary, and the Coordinator for the Hostages and the Missing.

 

Their participation underscored the gravity of the situation and the coordinated effort involved in addressing the issue of the hostages.

 

Netanyahu’s meeting with the families of the hostages in Washington was a poignant moment, reflecting both the personal and national stakes involved. The discussions centred on the ongoing efforts to secure the release of the hostages while reinforcing the broader context of Israel's fight against Hamas and the broader regional threats.