In a powerful display of dissent, tens of thousands of protesters flooded the streets of Tel Aviv on Saturday night, calling on the Israeli government to secure a truce and bring home hostages held in Gaza. Organizers estimated that 130,000 Israelis gathered downtown, urging swift action to end the prolonged conflict.
At a news conference outside the defense ministry, family members of those held in Gaza addressed the crowd, voicing their frustrations and fears. An unidentified relative pleaded, “Do not let Netanyahu sabotage the deal again. Netanyahu’s insistence on prolonging the war stands between us and our loved ones.”
The sentiment echoed among protesters in Tel Aviv, who accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of prioritizing personal gain over ending the crisis. They argued that reaching a truce would likely lead to early elections and potentially end Netanyahu’s rule, accusing him of prolonging the conflict for political advantage.
Meanwhile, Hamas officials expressed readiness to engage in ceasefire talks but emphasized the need for a comprehensive agreement that includes a permanent ceasefire, full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and a substantial prisoner swap. Osama Hamdan, a senior Hamas official based in Lebanon, reaffirmed Hamas’s commitment to positive engagement with any proposal that ensures a lasting peace.
Despite efforts by Arab mediators, backed by the United States, to broker a ceasefire, both sides have blamed each other for the stalemate. Hamas insists on an end to the conflict and full withdrawal, while Israel demands only temporary pauses until Hamas is no longer a governing force in Gaza.
The situation remains tense, with civilians caught in the crossfire and growing pressure on leaders to prioritize humanitarian concerns over political brinkmanship. As the protests continue and international pressure mounts, the path to a lasting resolution in Gaza remains uncertain, leaving families and communities deeply concerned about the future.
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