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“Netanyahu is sabotaging a deal. Because of him, girls are being raped in Gaza.”

Ifat Kalderon, cousin of hostage Ofer Kalderon, blamed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the conditions in which the girls are being held, Israeli media reported on Saturday.

In a statement issued by the families of the abductees in Tel Aviv, she said: “We see how he continues to torpedo deals and poses an obstacle to business. We will call on Gantz, Eisenkot, Gallant and Deri: Do not allow him to subject the members of our families to the fate of torture and death at the hands of Hamas murderers.”

“Because of him, our sisters and daughters are now being raped in Gaza. Because of him, our parents, brothers and sons are being subjected to torture and death.”

She added: “It is your duty to stop his attempts to thwart the deal. If you do not, you will become accomplices to the crime of abandonment. The blood of the abductees who do not return alive will also be on your hands.”

Families of the hostages demand the release of all hostages in Tel Aviv, May 25, 2024. (Source: AVSHALOM SASSONI)

Failure of previous talks

The last round of talks failed earlier this month because an Egyptian mediator introduced an unauthorized element into the talks, which Egypt denies.

The Israeli government is believed to be pushing for a resumption of talks. The war cabinet is scheduled to meet on Sunday.