Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant (Likud) on Saturday evening criticized world leaders for condemning Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza, and expressed concern for the youngest hostages - babies and children - being held by terrorists in Gaza.

During a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister Benny Gantz, Gallant said, "Tonight I would like to speak about one of the hostages, Kfir, a 10-month-old baby from [Kibbutz] Nir Oz. He, and his family have been kidnapped to Gaza. He is the same age as my youngest grandson."

"I ask myself - who plays with him? Who cares for him? Who feeds him, as he is held by these savages? Who is taking care of this baby who cannot even walk yet? These questions don’t leave me – and I say to all of you – it is our duty to return the hostages home.

"That is true for Kfir and it is true for all 240 of the hostages – children, women, the elderly - everyone must return home."

Gallant continued, "I would also like to address these questions to some world leaders – I hear some of them [speaking publicly] and I ask myself and I ask of them – how do you find the courage to preach at us in the middle of a war?"

He continued, "1,500 people - soldiers, civilians, women, and children - were kidnapped or killed. This started just a month ago! Everyone has seen the [horrific] sights."

"I want to say to some of these European leaders who criticize us: For the State of Israel and the people of Israel, this is the year 2023 and not the year 1943, and we have the ability and the duty to defend ourselves on our own, and that is exactly what we will do."