Sa’ar Condemns Diplomatic Moves for ‘Assassinating’ Hostage Deal Chances

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has publicly condemned Hamas for a “sadistic propaganda campaign” while also claiming that diplomatic moves to recognize a virtual Palestinian state have “assassinated the chances to reach a hostage deal.” The minister’s remarks followed the release of videos showing two Israeli captives, Evyatar David and Rom Braslavski, in a dire state. Sa’ar asserted that the starvation and torture are a “deliberate and well-planned” propaganda tactic.
He made a strong comparison between Hamas’s actions and the crimes of the Nazis and ISIS. Sa’ar also criticized the lack of international oversight, noting that the 50 remaining hostages have not been seen by the Red Cross despite an explicit agreement. The minister further alleged that the starvation narrative in Gaza is a “fake propaganda campaign,” which he believes is disproven by the amount of aid entering the region.
He framed hostage-taking as a dangerous global phenomenon used by terror groups to ensure their survival and interests. Sa’ar urged the international community to take a strong stance against this practice to prevent its spread. To highlight the issue on a global scale, he announced his trip to a special UN Security Council session he initiated in New York.
In a final message, Sa’ar accused countries of creating a false “symmetry” between hostages and “murderers.” He specifically stated that recognizing a Palestinian state has only hardened Hamas’s stance and rewarded their terror, calling these moves “immoral” and “politically foolish.”