Israeli Operation Recovers Bodies of Six Hostages in Gaza

Israel has recovered the bodies of six hostages in Gaza, including a prominent Israeli-American man. The recovery has led to mass protests against Prime Minister Netanyahu, who is blamed for the failed rescue. Netanyahu has vowed to hold Hamas accountable and continue military operations to free remaining hostages.

Israel announced Sunday that it had recovered the bodies of six hostages in Gaza, among them a young Israeli-American man who had gained international attention as a captive of Hamas.

The military stated the hostages were killed shortly before Israeli forces arrived for a rescue mission, inciting calls for mass protests against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Families of the hostages and many Israelis blame Netanyahu for not securing a deal with Hamas to end the 10-month-old conflict.

Netanyahu expressed sorrow over the deaths and vowed to hold Hamas accountable, stating that the militant group does not want a cease-fire. The Israeli-American hostage, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, 23, and four others were taken during Hamas' attack on a music festival in October. Goldberg-Polin's parents had led a high-profile campaign for their son's release, meeting global leaders including US President Joe Biden.

(With inputs from agencies.)