Israelis Demand Hostage Deal, Ceasefire

Reuters

Thousands protested in Tel Aviv, urging the government to negotiate a hostage deal and a ceasefire with Hamas.

Thousands of Israeli protesters took to the streets of Tel Aviv, demanding the government negotiate a hostage deal and a ceasefire with Hamas.

Demonstrators gathered near the army and Defense Ministry headquarters, chanting slogans and carrying banners.

On Friday, Hamas stated it was willing to release an American-Israeli dual national if Israel committed to the next phase of ceasefire talks aimed at a permanent end to the war. Israel dismissed the offer as "psychological warfare."

Hamas offered to release Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old soldier from New Jersey, after receiving a proposal from mediators for negotiations on the second phase.

Israel seeks to extend the temporary first phase of the ceasefire, a move backed by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff. However, Hamas insists it will only resume releasing hostages under the second phase.

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