Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stood to face his critics in a “40 signature debate” at the Knesset on Monday evening, during which he rebuked accusations that his Cabinet is failing to prioritize the release of approximately 100 Israeli hostages that remain in Gaza dead or alive.

“We will bring back dozens of hostages, hopefully soon,” Netanyahu told the assembly, blaming refusals from the terrorist group Hamas for the lack of a negotiated ceasefire and release of prisoners.