Hamas has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of prioritizing his personal interests over the lives of Israeli hostages held in Gaza.

The militant group’s statement comes as Netanyahu’s government considers expanding military operations in Gaza, potentially leading to full military occupation of the Palestinian territory.

Hamas alleges that Netanyahu’s plans to escalate aggression in Gaza demonstrate his willingness to sacrifice the captives for his extremist ideological agenda. They claim Netanyahu is backtracking on the negotiation track, which could lead to further crimes against the Palestinian people, including genocide and forced displacement.

The tensions between Hamas and Israel remain high after the October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, which resulted in the seizure of 251 hostages. Currently, 49 hostages remain in Gaza, with 27 believed to be dead according to the Israeli military.

Indirect talks between Hamas and Israel seeking a truce and hostage release deal broke down in late July.

In a recent interview with Fox News, Netanyahu stated that Israel intends to take control of the Gaza Strip but not govern it. This statement has sparked controversy, with Hamas viewing it as a continuation of policies aimed at perpetuating crimes against Palestinians.

As the situation unfolds, Netanyahu is set to convene his security cabinet to discuss expanding military operations in Gaza.

The potential escalation raises concerns about the impact on both Israeli hostages and the Palestinian population.