In Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, over 15,000 demonstrators have recently gathered to call for an end to the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip and to urge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to negotiate a deal for the release of remaining hostages held by Hamas. Families of the hostages, along with their supporters, expressed their grievances in public spaces, notably Paris Square in Jerusalem.
Currently, there are 48 hostages believed to be in Gaza, with estimates suggesting that as many as 20 may still be alive. Despite international calls for negotiations, there has been no formal response from Israel regarding proposals for the release of some hostages. Historically, Israel has insisted that any agreement must include the return of all hostages, while Netanyahu maintains that a complete military victory over Hamas is essential for their safe return.
Hamas captured 251 individuals during its assault on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities. In response, Israel has implemented extensive military operations in Gaza, leading to reported casualties exceeding 64,368 Palestinians, although these statistics are disputed by Israel.
Public protests against the military offensive have been escalating, with many claiming that continued violence could jeopardize the lives of hostages. Voices from the protests have been directed toward Netanyahu, urging him to find a resolution that prioritizes the hostages’ safety. However, Netanyahu has shown no indications of revising current military strategies, despite arguments from some military leaders indicating that Israel may have reached a limit with its operations.
Recent air strikes have resulted in further casualties, with local officials reporting at least 87 deaths in the last 24 hours, including children suffering from malnutrition-related issues. Amidst these developments, Netanyahu has reiterated his commitment to military efforts, emphasizing the importance of achieving victory over perceived enemies.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn95x2vlv8ro?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss