Thousands of Israelis took to the streets in Tel Aviv and other cities, protesting the ongoing situation in Gaza. The demonstrations focused on two primary demands: a ceasefire in the conflict and a hostage release agreement with Hamas. The protesters voiced concerns that Prime Minister Netanyahu’s approach to negotiations with Hamas is not prioritizing the safety of the hostages.
On Thursday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that he had instructed his team to negotiate the return of all 50 hostages. At the same time, he moved forward with plans to approve a military operation to seize Gaza City.
Family members of the hostages, such as Liran Berman, whose relatives were kidnapped on October 7, 2023, actively participated in the protests. Berman highlighted the possibility of a deal but also the potential for Hamas to change its position rapidly. He believes that Netanyahu is undermining the negotiation process and that this might be the last opportunity to save lives and bring the hostages home.
Hamas announced last week that it had agreed to a deal involving a 60-day ceasefire. During this period, 10 living hostages and the remains of 18 deceased hostages would be handed over to Israel. In exchange, Israel would release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. The remaining hostages and the end of the war would be discussed during the ceasefire.
Netanyahu has recently suggested that he would prefer a comprehensive agreement rather than a partial one. He has emphasized that any agreement must meet all of his conditions, including Hamas disarming and the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip.