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JERUSALEM – Families of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza, alongside activists, blocked Highway 1 on the way to Jerusalem on Tuesday morning, calling for the continuation of negotiations for a hostage release deal.
The demonstrators urged the Israeli government to send a delegation to Doha with a full mandate to negotiate the second phase of the agreement ahead of an upcoming security cabinet meeting.
The protest, which caused significant traffic disruptions, was organized by relatives of those still in captivity, expressing their frustration with what they described as political delays preventing a resolution.
The families accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of stalling the agreement for political reasons, despite the urgency of the situation.
“A Demand from the Prime Minister”
In a statement released by the families, they called on Netanyahu to stop what they claim is deliberate obstruction of the deal.
“This is a demand from the prime minister to stop sabotaging the agreement,” the statement read.
“Netanyahu brought us a long agreement that dragged on for months. Today, it is clear that he is motivated by political considerations and is doing everything to sabotage the agreement. From the latest testimonies, our loved ones are going through a Holocaust in captivity. They will not survive there much longer.”
The protesters emphasized the dire conditions in which the hostages are being held, referencing reports from released captives and intelligence sources.
Some families held signs with the names and faces of their loved ones, while others chanted slogans urging immediate government action.
Political Tensions Over Hostage Deal
The protest comes amid increasing tensions within Israel’s political and security establishment regarding the future of negotiations with Hamas.
While there have been ongoing talks mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, progress has been slow, with both sides accusing each other of obstructing the deal.
Netanyahu has faced growing criticism from both the opposition and members of his own coalition over his handling of the hostage crisis.
Some right-wing members of the government have pushed for continued military action in Gaza rather than further negotiations, while families of hostages and centrist politicians have advocated for prioritizing a deal that ensures their release.
Pressure on the Security Cabinet
The security cabinet is expected to convene later on Tuesday to discuss the next steps regarding negotiations. Protesters outside government buildings have vowed to continue their demonstrations until concrete action is taken.
“We are here to remind the government that time is running out,” said one demonstrator. “Every day that passes, our family members are suffering. We cannot let political games determine their fate.”
As tensions escalate, the pressure on Netanyahu’s government to secure a breakthrough in the negotiations grows. The hostage crisis remains one of the most pressing issues facing Israel, with the public divided on how best to achieve their return.
Whether the protests will influence the government’s next moves remains to be seen, but the families of those still in captivity are determined to keep their voices heard.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
