“Tentative ceasefire deal in Gaza for hostages; protests demand more releases.”
The Washington Post reported that an initial agreement had been made for a five-day halt in the conflict in Gaza. This pause would happen in exchange for the release of a minimum of 50 female and child hostages held by Hamas. The deal specifies that no men, soldiers, or female soldiers would be released. The agreement, brokered by the U.S. and Qatar as intermediaries between Israel and Hamas, was disclosed by unnamed officials.
Israel has declared its mission to eradicate Hamas entirely and eliminate all its leaders and militants. Simultaneously, Israel is engaging in various efforts, including indirect negotiations with Hamas, to secure the release of approximately 240 hostages still in captivity.
Thousands of demonstrators, including families of the hostages, marched from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem for five days to demand a meeting with the government. Their primary goal is to urge the release of the hostages. While demonstrators acknowledge that Hamas, not the Israeli government, is accountable for the hostages’ captivity, they seek assurance that the government is making every possible effort to free them.
Hamas has released only four hostages, all of whom were female. Another female hostage, a fellow soldier, was freed by Israeli soldiers. Moreover, Israel’s extensive searches near Shifa Hospital have led to the discovery of at least two hostage bodies.
