Controversial Demonstration in Jerusalem: Family Members of Captives Push for Negotiated Settlement
In recent developments, thousands of people have taken to the streets outside the residence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, calling for a deal with Hamas to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Currently, Israel, backed by the United States, is engaged in negotiations for the release of hostages and the termination of the war with Hamas. Netanyahu has instructed his team to immediately begin talks on acceptable terms for Israel, but no specific new agreement has been announced for this weekend.
Support for Israel's security and calls for humanitarian aid access, a ceasefire, and a two-state solution have come from Germany and the EU. However, it remains unclear if these countries are part of the proposed weekend agreement.
Relatives of hostages Gilboa-Dalal and Alon Ohel believe that their loved ones were taken to Gaza ahead of a planned takeover of the city. Hamas has agreed to a ceasefire proposal by the mediators, but the right-wing extremist coalition partners of Netanyahu are against a ceasefire.
Hamas is open to any ideas and proposals that would lead to a lasting ceasefire, a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip, the import of humanitarian aid, and the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners. Several other hostages are reportedly being held in the area, who will remain there during the planned Israeli offensive.
Hamas has published a video showing Gilboa-Dalal saying he is in the city of Gaza. The Forum of Families of Hostages Held in Gaza has expressed concern, as three weeks have passed without Israel reacting to Hamas' response to the mediators.
Critics accuse Netanyahu of unnecessarily dragging out the war, while the Prime Minister insists on a comprehensive deal in which all hostages are released at once. Netanyahu is demanding the surrender and disarmament of Hamas, a demand that Hamas has rejected.
The United States, Qatar, and Egypt are expected to present a new proposal for an agreement this week. This proposed agreement includes the release of all hostages and an end to the war. The Forum of Hostage Families has urged Netanyahu to prioritize the safe return of the hostages over personal survival instincts.
The Israeli army is preparing for a major offensive in the city of Gaza, while an 'humanitarian zone' has been declared in the coastal area of Al-Mawasi near Khan Younis, where essential humanitarian infrastructure such as field hospitals, water pipelines, and desalination plants are located.
US President Donald Trump has confirmed that they are in intense negotiations with Hamas. Netanyahu wants Israel to retain security control over the Gaza Strip, while Hamas demands the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops. The proposed agreement provides for a 60-day ceasefire, during which initially ten living hostages would be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
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