Israelis Rally for Prisoner-Hostage Swap Deal with Gaza
Over the weekend, thousands of Israelis took to the streets in Tel Aviv and Haifa demanding a prisoner-hostage swap deal with Palestinian factions in Gaza. The demonstrators urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to finalize the exchange, threatening further protests if a deal is not reached soon.
Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported on the widespread protests across the country, calling for a hostage swap, cease-fire, and early elections to remove Netanyahu’s government. The families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza accused Netanyahu of sabotaging the deal by imposing new conditions.
Amid international efforts to broker a deal, the US, Egypt, and Qatar presented a new proposal aligning with President Biden’s cease-fire plan. The negotiations, held in Doha, were described as “serious and constructive.”
Despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire, Israel’s continued offensive in Gaza has led to widespread condemnation and accusations of genocide. The International Court of Justice ordered Israel to halt its military operation in Rafah, where thousands of refugees were seeking shelter.