Protests erupted in Tel Aviv and other cities across Israel, with thousands participating. Demonstrators demanded a ceasefire in Gaza and a hostage release deal with Hamas. Protesters believe Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not serious about a deal and is sacrificing the hostages.
Netanyahu stated on Thursday that he had issued instructions to negotiate the return of all 50 hostages, while simultaneously moving forward with plans to approve a military operation aimed at capturing Gaza City.
Liran Berman, whose brothers were taken hostage on October 7, 2023, participated in the demonstrations. He said that a deal is possible, but Hamas often closes its doors quickly, as seen before. Berman said that Netanyahu talks about negotiations but is, in practice, denying them. He emphasized that this might be the last chance to save lives and bring the fallen home.
Hamas stated last week that it had agreed to a deal involving the handover of 10 living and 18 deceased hostages to Israel during a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza. Israel would also release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Israel and Hamas would negotiate the return of the remaining hostages and the end of the war during the ceasefire.
Netanyahu has recently indicated that he would only support a comprehensive deal rather than a phased, partial agreement. He has stated that any agreement will only be accepted if all his conditions are met, including Hamas laying down its weapons and the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip.
