The Israeli PM has asked for 'forgiveness' from Israelis for the killings of six hostages in Gaza and called for unity as thousands marched on the streets in protest against his failure to end the war. But he doubled down against Hamas, saying the militants will pay a 'very heavy price'.
By Alistair Bunkall, Middle East correspondentBenjamin Netanyahu stood in front of a giant digital map, that mysteriously erased the West Bank and explained why Israeli forces wouldn't be leaving Gaza anytime soon.He has shied away from engaging with Israeli media during the war but was forced to do this press conference under pressure from the huge protests on the country's streets.
He was asked why he agreed to withdraw from the Philidelphi corridor in May but has since changed his demands. He tried to claim he never made such a commitment. Mediators have said differently. He was challenged on his responsibility for the deaths of hostages but dismissed it as purely the fault of Hamas, an act of a group with no intention of negotiating.
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