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Thousands of Israelis gathered in central Tel Aviv over the weekend to demand the immediate return of hostages held in Gaza, with many demonstrators calling for a ceasefire to facilitate their release.
The protest took place at Hostages Square and included hundreds of relatives of the captives. Demonstrators urged the government to prioritise securing the hostages’ freedom, even if it meant ending the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remained firm in his stance, declaring that the 19-month bombardment of Gaza would not cease until Hamas’s military and civil capabilities were completely dismantled.
In a pre-recorded video message, Netanyahu also referred to the creation of so-called “security zones” in Lebanon and Syria—moves widely viewed as violations of both countries’ sovereignty.
“Hamas rejected a proposal to release half of the living hostages and several of the bodies of the deceased in exchange for a ceasefire. This is unacceptable,” Netanyahu stated.
Meanwhile, Hamas’s Gaza-based leader Khalil Al-Hayya said on Thursday that the group was prepared to enter into immediate negotiations with Israel.
He outlined a comprehensive deal involving the release of all hostages in return for an agreed number of Palestinian prisoners, an end to the war, Israel’s full withdrawal from Gaza, the lifting of the blockade, and the commencement of reconstruction efforts.
Netanyahu also reiterated Israel’s unwavering opposition to Iran acquiring nuclear weapons, as indirect nuclear talks between the US and Iran continued in Rome.
Since Israel launched its assault on Gaza in October 2023, more than 51,000 Palestinians have been killed, most of them women and children.
In November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice.
