Israeli protesters condemn Netanyahu over hostage stalemate
Dozens of Israelis, including activists and families of hostages, staged a protest in Tel Aviv against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s failure to secure an early agreement with Hamas for the release of hostages held in Gaza.
Demonstrators shut down the Ayalon Highway, a central route in Tel Aviv, late Wednesday accusing Netanyahu of neglecting efforts to negotiate a comprehensive deal.
Lighting a large menorah and fires, they marked the final night of Hanukkah, symbolizing their demand for decisive action.
In a pointed statement, the families of the hostages expressed frustration: “Our loved ones are enduring a living nightmare in Hamas captivity because Netanyahu is deciding to abandon them there.” They criticized the Prime Minister for prioritizing military operations in Gaza over the possibility of a prisoner exchange.
Hamas, for over a year, has signaled willingness to negotiate such a deal, even endorsing a US-proposed agreement in May 2024. However, Netanyahu reportedly imposed additional conditions, including the continuation of military operations and refusal to withdraw Israeli forces, thwarting progress.
Recall that the ICC has issued arrest warrants against Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes in Gaza.
Despite a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire, the Israeli forces have killed over 45,550 in Gaza, mostly women and children, since a Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023.
