Image Credits: CNN
In a dramatic show of public discontent, thousands of Israelis have taken to the streets to demand a negotiated deal for the return of hostages held in Gaza. The protests, which erupted in Tel Aviv and other major cities, follow the tragic discovery of six hostages’ bodies in Gaza, a development that has intensified calls for immediate government action.
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid joined the demonstrators in Tel Aviv, expressing solidarity with the protestors through a social media post. Lapid highlighted the national outcry for the swift return of hostages, emphasizing the urgency of reaching a deal. The demonstrations have centered around Tel Aviv’s Begin Road and have seen protestors blocking major roads, including the Ayalon highway. Participants waved Israeli flags and carried placards with messages such as “Seal the Deal” and “A deal will save them from death.”
Amid the unrest, criticism has been directed at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Gil Dickmann, a cousin of Carmel Gat, one of the deceased hostages, has publicly accused Netanyahu of obstructing a potential ceasefire deal. Dickmann claims that Netanyahu’s insistence on additional terms prevented an agreement that could have saved the lives of Gat and the other captives. Despite his grief, Dickmann acknowledged that both sides bear responsibility for the current situation but praised the protests for their potential impact.
The nationwide strike and demonstrations reflect mounting frustration over the government’s handling of the hostage crisis and have become a significant political event, putting immense pressure on Netanyahu’s administration to reassess its strategy.