Benjamin Netanyahu has sought “forgiveness” from the Israeli populace for failing to bring home six hostages found dead in Gaza over the weekend. This plea comes as Hamas has intensified threats, warning that more hostages could be “returned to their families in shrouds” unless a ceasefire is established.
Netanyahu’s remarks emerged amidst ongoing street protests that have persisted for two consecutive nights, with demonstrators voicing their discontent regarding his handling of hostage negotiations. International pressure is also mounting, illustrated by the UK’s suspension of certain arms sales to Israel, citing concerns over potential violations of international law.
Despite the growing dissent, Netanyahu remains resolute, emphasizing the necessity for Israeli forces to secure the strategically vital Philadelphi corridor in Gaza, a critical point of contention in negotiations with Hamas.
On Monday, thousands of Israelis rallied once more, driven by families of the missing hostages who have been awaiting their return for nearly 11 months. Reports indicate that police responded aggressively at protests held outside Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem. Witness accounts suggest violence towards protesters, including instances of police brutality.
These latest demonstrations follow large-scale protests that occurred on Sunday, where hundreds of thousands took to the streets across the nation, including a significant blockade on a major highway in Tel Aviv. Many protestors displayed Israeli flags and yellow ribbons to symbolize solidarity with the hostages. Currently, 97 hostages remain unaccounted for after their abduction by Hamas on October 7 of the previous year.
Hamas announced that hostages could be returned in “coffins” if Israel maintains military pressure, indicating that militants guarding captives received “new instructions” in response to the heightened tensions. A spokesperson for Hamas asserted that Netanyahu’s approach of using military force instead of negotiating a prisoner exchange increases the risk of hostage fatalities.
Earlier on Monday, Israel’s largest trade union reported widespread participation in a general strike aimed at pressuring the government to negotiate a ceasefire and a hostage release agreement. Despite the strike, many sectors, including transportation and hospitality, continued to operate with minimal disruption. Some political figures have publicly dismissed the strike’s significance, asserting that daily life continues unaffected.
In related developments, US President Joe Biden expressed concerns that Netanyahu is not doing enough to secure a hostage deal or a ceasefire with Hamas. Reports indicate that a new proposal is on the table for Netanyahu to consider.
Netanyahu faces accusations of obstructing negotiations to safeguard his political career, a claim he denies. His far-right coalition partners have threatened to exit the government coalition if he pursues a ceasefire before adequately addressing Hamas.
Efforts by US, Egyptian, and Qatari mediators are underway to facilitate a proposal that would exchange the remaining hostages for Palestinian prisoners detained in Israeli facilities.
Meanwhile, the UK Foreign Secretary announced the suspension of 30 out of 350 arms export licenses to Israel, highlighting concerns about potential violations of international law. The suspension affects military equipment including parts for aircraft and drones.
Amid ongoing tensions, funeral services for some hostages killed in Gaza were held, with emotional tributes from affected families, including one mother who recounted her torment over her son’s fate during the service.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza began when Hamas breached the border on October 7, leading to the deaths of 1,200 Israelis and the abduction of 251 individuals. In response, Israeli military operations have resulted in over 40,000 Palestinian casualties according to estimates from the Hamas-led Gaza health ministry.
