Israeli Protesters Demand Hostage Deal Ahead of Security Cabinet Meeting
Protesters call for end to war in Gaza and return of hostages as cabinet prepares to meet.
TEL AVIV: Demonstrators urging an end to the conflict in Gaza and seeking the release of hostages being held there staged protests across Israel on Tuesday morning, hours before a security cabinet meeting was scheduled for the evening.
Visuals from the scene showed protesters blocking major roads in Tel Aviv while waving Israeli flags and displaying images of the captive individuals.According to reports from Israeli media, additional gatherings took place near a U.S. embassy branch in the city as well as outside the residences of various ministers throughout the nation.Hagit Chen, whose son was taken by militants in October 2023, conveyed the urgency of the situation.
In a statement issued by an organization representing hostage families, she emphasized that a potential deal is on the table and called for government leaders to engage in negotiations until a resolution is reached.The security cabinet's agenda remains undisclosed; however, local accounts suggest discussions may center around renewed efforts for a ceasefire and the negotiation of hostage releases.
In early August, the cabinet endorsed a plan permitting military operations in Gaza City, which prompted heightened concerns regarding hostage safety and sparked weeks' worth of subsequent protests involving tens of thousands across the country.Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently directed immediate negotiations aimed at securing the liberation of all remaining captives in Gaza while reinforcing plans to launch an assault on the city.
This development came shortly after Hamas announced its acceptance of a proposed ceasefire that would involve the gradual release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian detainees held by Israel over an initial 60-day period.
Visuals from the scene showed protesters blocking major roads in Tel Aviv while waving Israeli flags and displaying images of the captive individuals.According to reports from Israeli media, additional gatherings took place near a U.S. embassy branch in the city as well as outside the residences of various ministers throughout the nation.Hagit Chen, whose son was taken by militants in October 2023, conveyed the urgency of the situation.
In a statement issued by an organization representing hostage families, she emphasized that a potential deal is on the table and called for government leaders to engage in negotiations until a resolution is reached.The security cabinet's agenda remains undisclosed; however, local accounts suggest discussions may center around renewed efforts for a ceasefire and the negotiation of hostage releases.
In early August, the cabinet endorsed a plan permitting military operations in Gaza City, which prompted heightened concerns regarding hostage safety and sparked weeks' worth of subsequent protests involving tens of thousands across the country.Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently directed immediate negotiations aimed at securing the liberation of all remaining captives in Gaza while reinforcing plans to launch an assault on the city.
This development came shortly after Hamas announced its acceptance of a proposed ceasefire that would involve the gradual release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian detainees held by Israel over an initial 60-day period.
