Israelis take to streets again, demanding government return hostages
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (photo: Getty Images)
A large number of Israelis have once again taken to the streets, demanding that the government secure the release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. The recent Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip have resulted in the deaths of over a dozen people, reports AP.
The new protest comes a week after one of the largest demonstrations, which followed the discovery of six more deceased hostages in Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed calls for a ceasefire agreement, declaring, "No one will preach to me."
Israel is facing increasing pressure from the US and other allies to reach a ceasefire agreement. However, Netanyahu insists on maintaining Israeli control over the Philadelphia Corridor, a narrow strip along the Gaza-Egypt border, which Israel claims Hamas uses for weapon smuggling.
Meanwhile, Israel continued its military operations. At the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, the Al-Awda hospital reported receiving the bodies of nine people killed in two airstrikes. One of the strikes reportedly hit a residential building, killing four people and injuring at least ten others, while another strike targeted a house in western Nuseirat, resulting in five more fatalities.
On September 1, Israeli forces discovered the bodies of six hostages in tunnels under the Gaza Strip. These hostages had been taken by Hamas fighters during the October attack.
Israelis are demanding that Netanyahu secure a ceasefire agreement with Hamas.
What's with the agreement
In mid-August, US officials stated that efforts to reach an agreement were nearing the final stages.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken described the proposed deal as perhaps the best and final opportunity for a ceasefire and the release of hostages.
Israel and Hamas have accused each other of obstructing the agreement.
Recently, Netanyahu stated that Israel must maintain indefinite control over the Gaza-Egypt border. Control of the Philadelphi Corridor remains one of the key sticking points in the ceasefire negotiations concerning the Gaza Strip.
