Massive protests unfolded across Israel, including in Tel Aviv, with thousands of people taking to the streets. The demonstrators were calling for a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict in Gaza and a hostage release agreement with Hamas. A significant concern among the protestors is that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not prioritizing the release of hostages and is seen as potentially jeopardizing their lives.
Prime Minister Netanyahu announced on Thursday that he had authorized negotiations to secure the return of all 50 hostages. Concurrently, he has advanced plans to authorize a military offensive to seize Gaza City.
Family members of the hostages, like Liran Berman, whose relatives were abducted on October 7, 2023, joined the protests. Berman expressed that while a deal is a possibility, Hamas has a history of quickly changing its stance. He believes that Netanyahu’s actions contradict his words regarding negotiations. Berman further asserted that this may be the last opportunity to rescue the hostages and facilitate their return.
Hamas indicated its willingness to agree to a deal that would involve a 60-day ceasefire, during which 10 surviving hostages and 18 deceased hostages’ remains would be handed over to Israel. In return, Israel would release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. The terms of the remaining hostages’ release and an end to the war would be discussed between Israel and Hamas during the ceasefire.
Netanyahu has signaled in recent weeks that he favors a comprehensive deal over a phased approach. He has clarified that any deal would require the fulfillment of all conditions, including Hamas disarming and the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip.