Protesters in Tel Aviv Call for Ceasefire and Hostage Deal Amid War with Gaza
Reuters
Thousands of Israelis rallied in Tel Aviv on December 14, demanding the release of hostages taken by Hamas and calling for a ceasefire, as the war in Gaza enters its second year with mounting casualties and devastation.
On December 14, 2024, thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv to demand the immediate return of hostages taken by Hamas during the deadly attack of October 7, 2023. Demonstrators called for a ceasefire and fresh elections, urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to step down. Protesters carried banners reading “Stop the War” and “Bring Them Home” while chanting slogans against the government. Many expressed frustration, accusing the leadership of prioritizing political survival over citizens’ needs.
The war, now in its second year, has left Gaza devastated. Following the Hamas attack that killed over 1,200 Israelis and kidnapped more than 250 hostages, Israeli forces launched a massive offensive by air, sea, and land. According to Gaza authorities, the military campaign has killed nearly 45,000 people, mostly civilians, displaced almost the entire population, and reduced much of the enclave to rubble.
The protest marks 435 days since the hostages were taken. Among those demanding action was Omri Lifshitz, whose father, Oded Lifshitz, remains captive. "We hope for a deal this month. The hostages are waiting for us to save them," he said. Others criticized the government for handling negotiations poorly, arguing that partial deals leave many hostages behind and prolong the suffering.
Efforts to mediate a truce and secure a hostages-for-prisoners exchange have gained momentum. Talks led by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States are reportedly progressing, with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi holding discussions with U.S. officials about potential terms for a ceasefire and prisoner exchange.
As protesters continue to demand change, the pressure on Netanyahu’s government grows. The call is clear: an end to the war, a deal for the hostages, and a new direction for Israel’s leadership.
Reuters
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