Amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, Israel’s capital Tel Aviv witnessed huge protests in the streets, voicing their demands for the hostage swap deal with Hamas and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s removal, followed by early election calls on Saturday.
As per organizers, this is the largest demonstration since October 7 attack, as estimated 1,20,000 people came out for protest in Tel Aviv alone. Even though the figures haven’t been verified yet.
Similar demonstrations were witnessed in other parts of Israel, with passionate speeches delivered on Tel Aviv’s Begin Street, including one by Einav Zangauker, the mother of a hostage Matan Zangauker.
Along with other families of hostages, she warned against Netanyahu’s alleged obstruction of the proposed deal after the US revealed Israel’s proposal.
“Biden spoke because he knows that Netanyahu may torpedo this deal as well…he wanted the public to know what was really on the table.” said hostage’s mother.
These protests occurred amidst ongoing anger towards the government’s alleged judicial overhaul since January. The protest was briefly interrupted following the October 7 attack.
Meanwhile, in Jerusalem, thousands marched towards the president’s house to secure a hostage deal following Biden’s intervention.
Chants demanding the safe return of hostages and praising Biden for his efforts to end the conflict echoed throughout the city streets.
“Those who abandon [the hostages] must return,” chanted the protestors. Additionally, many held signs thanking Biden for his statement to end the war. Yellow Flags symbolizing hostage held by hamas were waved.
Initially, the protests intended to focus on upcoming Jerusalem Day holiday, but the march had acquired new significance amidst the ongoing negotiations for potential deal.
Even though, the Jerusalem branch of the Hostages and Missing Families Forum maintained their distance from the event, but various relatives of the hostage joined the procession.
Meanwhile, Joint statement issued by Qatar, United States, and Egypt has urged both Israel and hamas to accept the proposed ceasefire deal and hostage deal outlined by biden.
“Qatar, the United States and Egypt jointly call on both Hamas and Israel to finalise the agreement embodying the principles outlined by President Biden on May 31, 2024, said joint statement.
In addition, the statement declared that this deal takes into account all the demands of the parties involved. Simultaneously, it serves multiple interests as it will bring immediate relief to both the suffering people of Gaza and the hostages and their families.
“These principles brought the demands of all parties together in a deal that serves multiple interests and will bring immediate relief to both the long-suffering people of Gaza as well as the long-suffering hostages and their families” added joint statement.