Protests Erupt in Tel Aviv Demanding Release of Hostages from Gaza
Thousands of demonstrators congregate to urge Israeli government action on prisoner exchange deal.
On Sunday, thousands of Israelis gathered in central Tel Aviv, blocking the main Begin Street to pressure Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to finalize a prisoner exchange deal with Gaza that has stalled.
The protests involved families of hostages held in Gaza, and the demonstrators called for the completion of all stages of the deal to ensure the release of all Israeli prisoners detained by Palestinian factions.
The protests continued near the Ministry of Defense in Tel Aviv for the second consecutive night, with demonstrators demanding the ongoing release of hostages.
On Saturday evening, an operation dubbed "Gulf of Kirya" commenced, surrounding the Ministry of Defense from all directions, as thousands of Israelis assembled at the Begin Gate and initiated a large march towards the ministry in the Kirya area.
Reports indicated that hundreds of individuals remained overnight alongside the families of the "captured" outside the Ministry of Defense, urging Prime Minister Netanyahu not to jeopardize the negotiations.
Protesters have requested that Netanyahu grant full authority to the delegation heading to Doha tomorrow to finalize an agreement for the simultaneous release of all prisoners.
According to media reports, hundreds of women and men spent the night alongside the families at the Begin Gate.
Families of hostages and Israeli activists plan to continue daily demonstrations around the Ministry of Defense and hold vigils to apply pressure on the Netanyahu government regarding the return of the captives without resorting to war.
An Israeli delegation is expected to arrive in the Qatari capital of Doha on Monday to further negotiations regarding the release of hostages.
The extent of the authorities granted to the Israeli delegation for decision-making will be discussed in a meeting held tonight by the small political-security cabinet, known as the 'kitchen cabinet.'
Media outlets have indicated that the members of the Israeli delegation are expected to remain in Qatar for approximately two days.
Currently, 59 Israeli prisoners are reported to be in Gaza, with the Israeli military indicating that 35 of them have died.
Intelligence sources estimate that 22 of the prisoners are still alive, while the status of two others remains unknown.
The first phase of a ceasefire agreement involving Gaza, which lasted for 42 days, concluded earlier this month.
During this time, Israel distanced itself from entering the second phase aimed at bringing an end to hostilities.
Netanyahu seeks to extend the first phase of the ceasefire, which commenced on January 19, 2025, to release as many Israeli prisoners as possible from Gaza, without fulfilling military and humanitarian obligations previously mandated in the accord to appease far-right factions within his government.
In contrast, Hamas has reiterated its commitment to implementing the accord and demands that Israel adhere to all of its provisions, calling on mediators to immediately initiate discussions for the second phase, which includes an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a complete cessation of hostilities.
Additionally, between October 7, 2023, and January 19, 2025, a report noted that over 160,000 Palestinian casualties had occurred, primarily among children and women, amidst the conflict, with numerous individuals still unaccounted for.
Following the cessation of the first phase of the ceasefire, all crossings into Gaza were reportedly sealed again, hindering humanitarian aid entry as part of a strategy to leverage starvation as a pressure tactic against Hamas.
Moreover, electricity access to Gaza has been interrupted, with threats to cut off water supplies, potentially setting the stage for a resumption of military actions in the region.
The protests involved families of hostages held in Gaza, and the demonstrators called for the completion of all stages of the deal to ensure the release of all Israeli prisoners detained by Palestinian factions.
The protests continued near the Ministry of Defense in Tel Aviv for the second consecutive night, with demonstrators demanding the ongoing release of hostages.
On Saturday evening, an operation dubbed "Gulf of Kirya" commenced, surrounding the Ministry of Defense from all directions, as thousands of Israelis assembled at the Begin Gate and initiated a large march towards the ministry in the Kirya area.
Reports indicated that hundreds of individuals remained overnight alongside the families of the "captured" outside the Ministry of Defense, urging Prime Minister Netanyahu not to jeopardize the negotiations.
Protesters have requested that Netanyahu grant full authority to the delegation heading to Doha tomorrow to finalize an agreement for the simultaneous release of all prisoners.
According to media reports, hundreds of women and men spent the night alongside the families at the Begin Gate.
Families of hostages and Israeli activists plan to continue daily demonstrations around the Ministry of Defense and hold vigils to apply pressure on the Netanyahu government regarding the return of the captives without resorting to war.
An Israeli delegation is expected to arrive in the Qatari capital of Doha on Monday to further negotiations regarding the release of hostages.
The extent of the authorities granted to the Israeli delegation for decision-making will be discussed in a meeting held tonight by the small political-security cabinet, known as the 'kitchen cabinet.'
Media outlets have indicated that the members of the Israeli delegation are expected to remain in Qatar for approximately two days.
Currently, 59 Israeli prisoners are reported to be in Gaza, with the Israeli military indicating that 35 of them have died.
Intelligence sources estimate that 22 of the prisoners are still alive, while the status of two others remains unknown.
The first phase of a ceasefire agreement involving Gaza, which lasted for 42 days, concluded earlier this month.
During this time, Israel distanced itself from entering the second phase aimed at bringing an end to hostilities.
Netanyahu seeks to extend the first phase of the ceasefire, which commenced on January 19, 2025, to release as many Israeli prisoners as possible from Gaza, without fulfilling military and humanitarian obligations previously mandated in the accord to appease far-right factions within his government.
In contrast, Hamas has reiterated its commitment to implementing the accord and demands that Israel adhere to all of its provisions, calling on mediators to immediately initiate discussions for the second phase, which includes an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a complete cessation of hostilities.
Additionally, between October 7, 2023, and January 19, 2025, a report noted that over 160,000 Palestinian casualties had occurred, primarily among children and women, amidst the conflict, with numerous individuals still unaccounted for.
Following the cessation of the first phase of the ceasefire, all crossings into Gaza were reportedly sealed again, hindering humanitarian aid entry as part of a strategy to leverage starvation as a pressure tactic against Hamas.
Moreover, electricity access to Gaza has been interrupted, with threats to cut off water supplies, potentially setting the stage for a resumption of military actions in the region.
