Thousands of Israelis took to the streets, demanding that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secure a deal with Hamas to bring home hostages still held in Gaza. Demonstrations were held in Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square and other cities across the country, calling for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages abducted during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack.
Many protesters accused Netanyahu of stalling negotiations and risking the lives of the hostages. “He talks about negotiations, but in practice, he is sacrificing them,” said Liran Berman, whose brothers Gali and Ziv were taken by Hamas from Kibbutz Kfar Aza.
A separate Jewish-Arab anti-war protest also drew thousands, reflecting growing public frustration with the ongoing conflict and the government’s approach to negotiations.
According to reports, Hamas recently agreed to a proposed truce deal that includes a 60-day ceasefire, the release of 10 living hostages, and the return of 18 bodies. In exchange, hundreds of Palestinian prisoners would be released. The deal would also pave the way for negotiations on the return of all remaining hostages and a permanent end to hostilities.
Despite this, Netanyahu has insisted he will only accept a comprehensive agreement that meets all of Israel’s conditions—including the full disarmament of Hamas, demilitarisation of the Gaza Strip, and the establishment of a new governing body unconnected to either Hamas or the Palestinian Authority.
On Thursday, Netanyahu stated he had ordered negotiations for the release of all 50 hostages still believed to be alive but continued to push for a military offensive targeting Gaza City. Protesters, however, say his actions contradict his words.
“There is a deal on the table. But deals don’t last forever,” warned Berman. “This may be the last chance to save lives.”
