Golan slams Netanyahu’s Gaza war, urges hostage deal

English , Middle East - مشرق وسطٰی , Snippets , / Wednesday, May 21st, 2025

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Sources Anadolu Agency
Israeli opposition leader Yair Golan defended his scathing remarks against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, accusing it of prolonging the war in Gaza at the expense of civilians and hostages. Golan, head of The Democrats party and a former deputy army chief, said, “When ministers celebrate the death and starvation of children in Gaza, we must speak out.”
In an earlier interview with Israel’s public broadcaster KAN, Golan said, “A sane country does not kill children as a hobby or aim to expel entire populations.” Facing backlash from ministers, he later clarified: “This war began as a justified response to Hamas’s October 2023 attack. But it has since lost its purpose under this failed government.”
Criticizing Netanyahu’s approach, Golan said the war no longer serves Israeli security interests. “This is no longer about freeing hostages. They could have been released through a comprehensive deal long ago,” he asserted. Israel estimates 58 hostages remain in Gaza, 20 of whom are believed alive.
Golan also condemned attacks against him from pro-government factions. “I’m not afraid of the poison machine or those who try to silence truth tellers,” he said, urging fellow opposition leaders to unite. “If you care about the army and the country, now is the time to act. Let’s bring the hostages home and end this war.”
More than 1.5 million Palestinians are now homeless in Gaza amid famine and devastation. Israel’s offensive has killed nearly 53,600 people, mostly women and children. Human rights groups report widespread torture and neglect in Israeli prisons, where over 10,000 Palestinians are currently held.
Israel faces international scrutiny, including ICC arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and a genocide case at the International Court of Justice.