After resisting for months, Israeli PM Netanyahu finally ‘sorry’ for Oct 7 Hamas attack

After resisting for months, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has finally tendered an apology to his countryfor the deadly October 7 terror attacks that left 1,198 people dead and saw Hamas taking more than 250 people hostage.

In an interview published Thursday (Aug 8), the Israeli leader said, “Of course, of course. I am sorry, deeply, that something like this happened. And you always look back and you say, ‘Could we have done things that would have prevented it?’”

Netanyahu was then asked what his response would be to a political rival who presided over the country’s worst security failure.

“Can they assure that the postwar situation will be one of peace and security? If the answer is yes, they should stay in power,” the Jewish leader replied.

Of the 251 people taken hostage, 111 are still believed to be held in Gaza. 39 of these 111 people are understood to have died already, as per Israeli military sources.

Israel steps up attacks on Gaza

Amidst fears of a wider war in the West Asian region, Israel seems to have stepped up its offensive in the Gaza Strip. A series of strikeson Thursday led to the death of at least 40 people there.

Watch:Israel-Hamas War: Israeli PM Netanyahu blames Hamas for stalled truce deal

Israel reportedly targeted a cluster of houses in central Gaza's Al-Bureij camp, killing at least 15 people, and the nearby Al-Nuseirat camp, killing four. An Israeli militaryjet bombed a house in the northern region, killing five more Palestinians. Another strike in the Khan Younis region killed at least one person and wounded another, Palestinian medics said.

Israel also reportedly targeted two schools in the Shujaiyeh neighbourhood of Gaza City, killing 15 people there.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in a statement said the schools were being used by Hamas operatives and terrorists.

USA’s arms embargo on Israel?

Meanwhile, a policy advisor to United States Vice President Kamala Harris made clear Thursday that no arms embargo on Israel was under discussion in Washington DC.

"[She] has been clear: she will always ensure Israel is able to defend itself against Iran and Iran-backed terrorist groups. She does not support an arms embargo on Israel. She will continue to work to protect civilians in Gaza and to uphold international humanitarian law," said Phil Gordon.

This clarification came after pro-Palestinian activists claimed that she was open to discussing the matter.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.