JERUSALEM. Families of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza gathered in protest on Saturday outside the residence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Expressing frustration over the perceived lack of progress in securing the release of more than 100 captives, the demonstrators urged the government to take decisive action as the conflict in Gaza continues.
A group representing the families of the hostages, who have been held for 105 days, demanded that the government show leadership and pursue bold measures to secure their loved ones’ release. The call for a truce-for-hostages deal gained momentum after a member of Israel’s War Cabinet labeled a cease-fire as the only viable means to ensure their safe return, indirectly criticizing the current military strategy.
The protest and the remarks by former Israeli army chief Gadi Eisenkot highlight the growing internal discord in Israel over the direction of the war now entering its fourth month. While Netanyahu vows to achieve “complete victory” against Hamas, critics accuse him of stalling discussions on a post-war scenario for Gaza to avoid potential conflict within his right-wing ruling coalition.
The conflict, triggered by Hamas’ October 7 attack that claimed 1,200 lives and led to the abduction of around 250 individuals from Israel’s south, has resulted in nearly 25,000 Palestinian casualties, predominantly women and children, according to Gaza health authorities. The extensive military campaign has devastated the territory, displacing over 80% of its 2.3 million population. Widespread hunger and disease outbreaks, exacerbated by an Israeli blockade restricting aid, have been reported by UN officials.
Netanyahu contends that crushing Hamas militarily is the only path to secure the hostages’ release. However, relatives of the remaining captives have intensified their campaign for a negotiated settlement.
During a brief November ceasefire, over 100 hostages, mainly women and children, were released in exchange for Palestinian women and minors imprisoned by Israel. Currently, more than 130 hostages are believed to remain in Gaza, with only about 100 confirmed to be alive.
On Friday, the father of a 28-year-old hostage initiated a hunger strike outside Netanyahu’s residence, symbolizing the reported limited food given to some captives. Gadi Eisenkot, a member of the War Cabinet, contradicted Netanyahu’s approach, emphasizing that a deal and a cease-fire are essential for the hostages’ safe return, dismissing the likelihood of dramatic rescue operations.
In the ongoing military operations, Israel dropped leaflets over Rafah, urging residents to provide information about the captives. Meanwhile, Gaza residents reported heavy bombardment and clashes in Khan Younis and Jabaliya.
As Israel withdrew troops from northern Gaza, questions about the feasibility of the government’s goal to crush Hamas persisted. In the West Bank, mourners gathered for the funeral of a 17-year-old American Palestinian shot and killed near Ramallah. Israeli police are investigating the incident, expressing serious concern, while the Biden administration continues to monitor the growing volatility in the West Bank.
Note: This report is based on current events and may be subject to updates.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
