Sunday, August 18, 2024

‘Sign a deal now’: Tens of thousands around country say hostage release is now or never

Weekly demonstrations calling for a hostage deal and new elections drew tens of thousands across the country Saturday night, amid tentative hopes that Israel’s ongoing negotiations with Hamas have put a hostage-ceasefire agreement within reach.

In Tel Aviv, tens of thousands of demonstrators, including relatives of those held hostage in Gaza, gathered at the so-called Hostages Square for a rally demanding their loved ones’ return, and pled with the prime minister and negotiating team to arrive at an agreement before time runs out.

Speaking at the rally, Ilay David, whose brother Eviatar David, 23, is captive in Gaza, addressed Netanyahu and the negotiating team, declaring, “the time has come to make sure that every hostage returns home right away.”

“You have the full support of the Israeli nation. Don’t be afraid to make the most moral and most Jewish decision and return our hostages home,” he said.

Some protesters highlighted their demand for a deal through provocative displays, including an individual in a Netanyahu mask leaning over another person representing a dead and bloodied hostage, with a banner next to him reading “I added clauses, hostages died. Sorry,” in reference to allegations that Netanyahu has introduced new demands during the negotiations which have delayed an agreement.

A senior Biden administration official told reporters on Friday that mediators from the United States, Egypt and Qatar believe the final “bridging proposal” submitted by Washington closes just about all remaining gaps between Israel and the Palestinian terror group. READ MORE