JERUSALEM, SEPT 1 :  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hamas on Sunday of being responsible for the deaths of hostages in its captivity, saying this proved the Palestinian movement did not want a ceasefire deal.

“Those who kill hostages do not want any deal. We will not back down. The Israeli government vows, and I personally vow, to continue seeking a deal that will bring our hostages home and ensure our security and existence,” Netanyahu said in a statement.

Netanyahu spoke after six bodies of hostages were found in the Gaza Strip. He said Hamas had declined to engage in “proper negotiations.”

“Three months ago, on May 27, Israel agreed to a US-backed deal to release the hostages. Even after the US renewed the terms of the deal on August 16, we agreed to them, but Hamas refused again,” he said.(UNI)