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Demonstrators in Jerusalem demanding the release of those held hostage by Hamas.
1 / 3 Photo: Mahmoud Illean/AP/TT
New demonstrations filled Israeli streets on Saturday. Benjamin Netanyahu defended himself in a speech, saying that the hostages in Gaza are the highest priority.
– We will continue to attack the terrorists with full force until they are eradicated. We cannot give up the victory.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is under intense pressure.
Thousands of protesters on Saturday night again demanded that the prime minister agree to a ceasefire with Hamas, so that Israel can bring home those held hostage in Gaza.
But Netanyahu stands his ground.
– I have not added any conditions and I have not removed any. But I also won’t let Hamas move a millimeter from the proposal, he says in a televised speech.
He claims that Hamas has tried to make 29 changes to the cease-fire proposal that US President Joe Biden put forward on May 31.
That Hamas has not agreed to an agreement, the prime minister blames that Israel’s military pressure on the Islamist terrorist group has not been strong enough, and that this is why they entered Rafah, “despite great international pressure” not to do so.
Egypt: Israel obstructs
In doing so, Netanyahu says, he counters claims that he is delaying or standing in the way of a deal.
– If a good agreement is presented, it will be approved.
Israel’s stepped-up offensive in Gaza makes compromises in the negotiations difficult, however, a representative of Hamas warned this week.
How Saturday’s heavy attack on a camp outside the city of Khan Yunis, in one of Israel’s designated safe zones, affects the negotiations is unclear.
Meanwhile, Egyptian state-linked Al-Qahera reports that Egyptian mediators are urging Israel not to obstruct the negotiations by presenting new demands.
Deserves better leadership
In both Jerusalem and Tel Aviv thousands gathered to demand the hostages back. One of the larger demonstrations took place outside Netanyahu’s office, where protesters who have been marching for four days wanted a quick resolution.
– We deserve better leadership, which takes responsibility. And the hostages deserve to hug their mothers and fathers, says Einav Zangauker, whose son is being held hostage, according to the Times of Israel.
However, Saturday night’s protests were reported to have been less extensive and violent than last weekend, when mass demonstrations blocked highways and several people were arrested.