Tel Aviv—Thousands of protesters have rallied, demanding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secure the release of all remaining hostages in Gaza before the next phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire
Thousands of protesters have gathered in Tel Aviv, demanding that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secure the return of all remaining hostages in Gaza before the second phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire begins.
Demonstrators voiced concerns about the future of the ceasefire following a week of uncertainty. The 43-day truce appeared on the verge of collapse after Hamas unexpectedly halted hostage releases, prompting Israel to threaten a return to war.
However, following mediation efforts, Hamas released three more hostages under the existing deal, leading Israel to free 369 Palestinian prisoners and detainees in exchange.
The second phase of the ceasefire is expected to facilitate negotiations for the return of the remaining living hostages among the 251 taken during the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023. It also includes provisions for a full Israeli military withdrawal before a final resolution to the war and the reconstruction of Gaza.
So far, 19 Israeli and five Thai hostages have been released, while 73 remain in captivity—about half of whom have been declared dead in absentia by Israeli authorities.
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