Israeli protesters demand Gaza ceasefire, hostage release ahead of cabinet meeting

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Israeli protesters demand Gaza ceasefire, hostage release ahead of cabinet meeting

Israeli protesters demand Gaza ceasefire, hostage release ahead of cabinet meeting

Protesters in Israel took to the streets on Tuesday to demand an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the return of hostages. The demonstrations occurred ahead of a scheduled security cabinet meeting, where a new hostage-release deal was reportedly on the agenda.

In Tel Aviv, demonstrators blocked roads, waving Israeli flags and holding up photos of the captives, according to AFP journalists. Israeli media reported that additional rallies took place near the U.S. embassy branch in the city and outside the homes of various ministers.

Ruby Chen, whose son was taken by militants in October 2023, spoke at one of the demonstrations. “Prime Minister (Benjamin) Netanyahu prioritises the destruction of Hamas over releasing the hostages,” Chen said. “He believes it is OK and it is a valid alternative to sacrifice 50 hostages for political needs.”

The security cabinet meeting’s agenda was not officially confirmed, but Israeli media suggested it would address ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release.

READ ALSO: Israel’s attack on Gaza hospital sparks global outcry

The meeting came weeks after the cabinet approved a plan for the military to take over Gaza City, a decision that sparked renewed protests and raised fresh fears for the safety of the hostages.

Last week, Netanyahu ordered immediate talks to secure the release of the remaining captives while also affirming his commitment to the offensive in Gaza City.

This followed Hamas’s acceptance of a new ceasefire proposal that would see a phased release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

In Doha, Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari confirmed that mediators were “still waiting for an answer” from Israel. “The responsibility now lies on the Israeli side to respond to an offer that is on the table. Anything else is political posturing by the Israeli side,” he said.

READ ALSO: 4 journalists, including AP freelancer, killed in Israeli strike on Gaza hospital (Video)

Humanitarian Crisis and Mounting Pressure

Israel is facing increasing pressure, both domestically and internationally, to end its military campaign in Gaza, which has created a severe humanitarian crisis.

On Monday, an Israeli strike at a Gaza hospital killed at least 20 people, including five journalists from outlets like Al Jazeera, the Associated Press, and Reuters.

The attack drew shock from governments worldwide, including staunch Israeli allies. Netanyahu later expressed regret, calling it a “tragic mishap,” and the Israeli military ordered an inquiry. Press watchdogs report that the war has been one of the deadliest for journalists, with around 200 media workers killed since the conflict began.

The war was ignited by Hamas’s October 2023 attack on Israel, which killed 1,219 people, mostly civilians. Of the 251 hostages seized, 49 are still being held, and the Israeli military has stated that 27 of them are dead.

Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed at least 62,819 Palestinians, according to the Gaza health ministry.

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