Many participants accuse the Israeli government of prioritizing its political survival over the lives of detainees in Gaza.
In Tel Aviv, the mobilization of demonstrators for the release of the hostages does not weaken. Every week, a crowd gathers to urge the Israeli government to reach a deal with Hamas to release the last detainees in the Gaza Strip.
The prospect of a ceasefire recedes
After months of stalemate and a ceasefire on track in recent days, discussions between the Hebrew state and the Palestinian Islamist movement have stalled following negotiations organized in Doha, despite the mediation efforts of the United States, Qatar and Egypt.
“I am here today shouting not only for the kidnapped, not only for my father, but also for my country. This wounded and bloodless country needs light, miracles. We need to regain our confidence”said Ella Ben-Ami, the daughter of one of the hostages.
A hundred Israeli hostages still in Gaza
In 2023, a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas allowed the exchange of just over 100 hostages held in Gaza for 150 Palestinian prisoners.
Israel says that around a hundred hostages still remain in captivity in the Palestinian enclave, but that at least a third of them are dead.
“The State of Israel must of course return those kidnapped alive, but not only them, it is also obliged to return those who are no longer alive”said Ofek Shaul, the brother of Israeli soldier Oron Shaul, who was killed in the 2014 war between Israel and Hamas, and whose remains are still being held in Gaza. “It is not only a moral and ethical obligation, it is the duty of the State in light of the values on which it was built.” he continued.
Since the attack of October 7, 2023the protests in Israel are not weakening. Many participants, who accuse the Israeli government of prioritizing its political survival over the life of those detained in Gaza, demand the resignation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the calling of new elections.
