Thousands Demonstrate in Israel Calling for Hostage Release
August 11, 2024, 6:24 PM
Thousands of people demonstrated across several Israeli cities last night, calling for an agreement to release the 115 hostages believed to be held captive by the Palestinian Islamist movement “Hamas” in the Gaza Strip.
One speaker in Tel Aviv, whose uncle was kidnapped in the attack, warned that continued military pressure could lead to the deaths of the hostages. The mother of a hostage echoed this sentiment, urging an immediate deal to save lives.
Demonstrations took place in Jerusalem, Haifa, Be’er Sheva, and outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s private villa in Caesarea.
Indirect talks between Israel and Hamas, mediated by the US, Qatar, and Egypt, have been ongoing for months, but little progress has been made due to their differing positions in the conflict. The killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniya in an Israeli attack in Tehran further hampered these talks.
However, recent reports suggest a possible convergence of positions between the two sides. A new round of negotiations is scheduled to take place in Cairo or Doha on Thursday, with Israeli and Hamas delegations not sitting at the same table.
According to Israeli estimates, around 115 of the 250 hostages taken over 10 months ago remain in captivity in Gaza. Concerns persist that many of them may no longer be alive.