Israel wants Gaza hostages 'front and centre' on world stage

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Monday that the plight of hostages held in Gaza should top the global agenda, ahead of a UN Security Council session on the issue. "The world must put an end to the phenomenon of kidnapping civilians. It must be front and center on the world stage," Saar told a press briefing.

"He would head to New York tonight to participate in a special UN Security Council session that he initiated, taking place on Tuesday on the situation of the hostages," the Minister added. The UN session was called after Palestinian militant group Hamas and its ally Islamic Jihad had published last week three videos showing two hostages who appear weak, causing deep shock and distress in Israel.