Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has strongly condemned a video released by Hamas, showing Israeli hostages taken during the attacks in October. In the video, three Israeli women are seen, with one of them berating Mr. Netanyahu and calling for the release of the hostages. The clip was released by the armed wing of Hamas, the Izzedine al-Qassam Brigades. Israeli forces have launched a major military operation in Gaza, aiming to dismantle Hamas and its control over the territory.

Hamas seized more than 230 hostages during the attacks, and tragically, at least 1,400 Israelis lost their lives. The Israeli government has classified the video as "cruel propaganda," and Mr. Netanyahu denounced it as psychological warfare. However, the conditions under which the video was filmed remain unknown.

According to the Hamas-run health ministry, over 8,000 Palestinians have been killed since the beginning of the conflict. The release of the video is believed to be a deliberate emotional tactic by Hamas to exert pressure on Mr. Netanyahu, who is already facing immense pressure from the families of the hostages.

The video prompted an anguished debate within Israel about the government's role in allowing the attacks to occur. One of the hostages in the video, Ms. Aloni, criticizes Mr. Netanyahu for alleged failures in protecting civilians. Despite her emotional remarks, Mr. Netanyahu has emphasized that ground action is crucial to increasing pressure on Hamas, as they have shown no willingness to release the hostages without such pressure.

In the weeks following the initial attacks, Hamas released two hostages, Judith and Natalie Raanan, a mother and daughter with US-Israeli citizenship, citing "humanitarian reasons." Additionally, Nurit Cooper and Yocheved Lifschitz, both Israeli, were freed into Egypt due to "humanitarian and health grounds." However, their husbands remain in captivity.

The families of the hostages are appealing to the Emir of Qatar, a key mediator, to use his influence in securing the release of their loved ones. Mr. Netanyahu has affirmed that securing the hostages' freedom is his second priority, after the necessity of dismantling Hamas.

As the Israeli forces continue their advance into northern Gaza, the situation remains tense. The emotional impact of the video is expected to further intensify the already challenging circumstances for Mr. Netanyahu. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, urging a peaceful resolution that protects the lives of both Israelis and Palestinians affected by this devastating conflict.