Protests in Israel as Ceasefire Talks Resume Amid Condemnation of Military Plans
TEL AVIV — New proposals to revive a ceasefire have been put forward by Egyptian and Qatari mediators, according to a senior Palestinian official. This diplomatic push comes as Israel faces international condemnation and internal protests over its plan to expand military operations in Gaza City.
The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to meet to discuss the situation. This follows an announcement by the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry that at least 38 people have been killed in the past 24 hours, many reportedly while waiting for aid.
In Israel, thousands of protesters have marched in cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, demanding the immediate return of the remaining hostages. These demonstrations highlight a significant division within Israel's public and military about the government's strategy.
Sharon Lives, whose father was killed after being taken hostage on October 7, stated that many hostage families are calling for a comprehensive deal to end the war. She expressed that the military’s planned advance into Gaza City is a grave concern, citing past instances where such operations led to the deaths of captives. Lives accused the current Israeli government of prioritizing its political coalition over the safety of the hostages and the will of the majority of Israelis, who she believes want to end the war.
The proposed ceasefire deal, similar to a previous one in January, would involve the release of all hostages and a full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. However, Israel has previously stated it is not prepared to end the war until Hamas is defeated.
Lives argued that a sustainable solution requires strengthening moderate Palestinian factions and collaborating with moderate Arab states to build a non-Hamas administration in Gaza. She believes this is the only way to truly remove Hamas from power and secure a lasting peace.
