JERUSALEM, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Israeli President Isaac Herzog said Tuesday he was "shocked" that securing the release of hostages still held in Gaza was no longer a top priority.

Herzog made the remarks when addressing a conference hosted by the Rehabilitation Department of the Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv.

"I'm shocked that bringing back the hostages is no longer at the top of the agenda," Herzog said.

"We must never lose sight of this issue, as a nation, until every last hostage is brought home," he stressed.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has adjusted the goals of the ongoing military offensive in the Gaza Strip, signaling readiness for an intensified campaign that could involve prolonged reoccupation of the Palestinian territory. Netanyahu said Israel continues to seek the dismantling of Hamas and that negotiations would continue only "under fire."

Israel resumed strikes across Gaza on March 18, effectively ending a two-month ceasefire and triggering mass rallies in Israel. Families of the hostages and supporters call for an end to the war and the return of all hostages.

Hamas kidnapped 251 hostages during its attack in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. According to Israeli tallies, 59 hostages remain in Gaza, with 35 of them presumed dead.

A phased ceasefire agreement took effect on Jan. 19 after 15 months of Israel's devastating assault on Gaza. Its first phase includes the release of 33 hostages and about 2,000 Palestinians held in Israeli jails. All remaining living hostages are expected to be released in the second phase in exchange for a permanent ceasefire and more Palestinian detainees freed.

However, Israel refused to move to the second phase and resumed air and ground assaults on Gaza last week. Netanyahu said Israel renewed military operations because Hamas rejected offers to extend the initial phase of the ceasefire agreement. Enditem

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