Gaza captives' families slam Netanyahu for saying they are 'suffering but not dying'

Relatives of captives held by Hamas in Gaza have criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after he appeared to play down the seriousness of their situation in the besieged enclave.

During a cabinet meeting, Netanyahu reportedly said his government "shouldn't be stressed" by the situation in Gaza as the "the kidnapped are suffering, but they are not dying".

His comment were branded "deeply hurtful" by the organisation coordinating the families of those held in Gaza.

“The grim reality is undeniable: hostages have already been murdered in captivity. More hostages may be losing their lives at this very moment," said a statement from the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.