- Final Opportunity: Protests in Israel Regarding the Hostage Agreement
Crowds of individuals protested in Tel Aviv and various areas within Israel, demanding a deal to liberate captives held by the Islamic Hamas. The event, named "They could have been saved," saw speakers condemning Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for hindering a settlement by imposing new prerequisites. The police on horseback barricaded the demonstration as it approached the Ministry of Defense.
The main dispute during negotiations between Israel and the Islamic Hamas, mediated by the USA, Egypt, and Qatar in Cairo, allegedly revolves around the duration of Israeli troops' presence in the Gaza Strip, primarily in the Philadelphi Corridor bordering Egypt.
Israeli sources claim that Hamas is still detaining 109 captives. Thirty-six have been declared deceased, while seventy-three are thought to be alive, as stated by an Israeli government spokesperson on Thursday. Approximately 250 individuals were abducted from Israel and transported to the coastal region on October 7, 2021, by Palestinian terrorists.
"This appears to be our final opportunity. Either there will be an agreement or a surge in violence," the "Times of Israel" reported Einav Zangauker, Matan Zangauker's mother, who is a captive.
Former hostage Aviva Siegel, whose husband remains captive by Hamas, urged Netanyahu to uphold his promise. "You looked me in the eye and promised to bring Keith home. I no longer trust in words – I want to witness action," she declared at the protest.
During a ceasefire lasting a week in late November, Hamas released 105 captives in exchange for Israel releasing 240 Palestinian prisoners from prisons. Whether another agreement can be reached is uncertain.
While a Hamas delegation visited Cairo, the Islamic organization simultaneously stated it would not engage directly in the talks but would only be kept informed.
David Barnea, the director of the Israeli foreign intelligence agency Mossad, and Ronen Bar, head of the domestic intelligence agency Shin Bet, had already gone to Egypt's capital on Thursday.
Netanyahu, however, was reportedly harshly criticized by Israeli media for his own negotiators. "They exhibit weakness and only seem to be searching for ways to surrender, while I (...) am not prepared to concede demands that would compromise security," the "Times of Israel" quoted him.
The Hamas delegation in Cairo communicated that they would not participate directly in the negotiations, but would only be kept informed. At the protest in Tel Aviv, former hostage Aviva Siegel urged the President of the Council, presumably Prime Minister Netanyahu, to fulfill his promise of bringing her husband home.
