Tel Aviv, Israel – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing mounting political pressure as more than 100,000 Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv on Saturday night, demanding that he accept a U.S.-brokered deal for a cease-fire in Gaza. The proposal, announced by President Biden, includes a six-week pause in fighting, the release of hostages, and increased aid shipments to the Gaza Strip. However, the main point of contention remains how and when the war will officially come to an end.
Netanyahu’s office indicated that they had “authorized” the proposal but maintained that Israel’s conditions for ending the war have not changed. Netanyahu insists on the complete destruction of Hamas, the release of all hostages, and the elimination of Gaza’s security threat to Israel. Hamas, on the other hand, is willing to engage in negotiations based on a permanent ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Strip.
The public airing of the cease-fire proposal by President Biden has intensified the existing tensions within Netanyahu’s coalition government. Moderate members of his war cabinet and families of hostages have been pushing for a deal, while more extreme partners in his coalition demand “absolute victory” in Gaza.
Far-right coalition members have threatened to bring down the government if Netanyahu proceeds with the deal, viewing it as a sign of “absolute defeat.” Opposition leader Yair Lapid, however, expressed willingness to provide support to ensure the implementation of a cease-fire deal.
Over 120,000 people took to the streets of Tel Aviv in response to Biden’s announcement, hopeful that it would lead to a breakthrough after months of uncertainty. Families of hostages have been actively pressuring the government to revive negotiations and secure the release of their loved ones.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog pledged his full support for a hostage deal, emphasizing the importance of redeeming captives according to Jewish tradition. Discussions are underway involving the United States, Egypt, and Qatar to facilitate the implementation of the proposed cease-fire and provide relief to both the people of Gaza and the hostages and their families.
Efforts are being made to reopen the Rafah border crossing to allow essential aid into Gaza, with all eyes on the proposed cease-fire as a potential resolution to the ongoing crisis. The Israel Defense Forces continue their operations in Gaza, aiming to neutralize militants and locate weapons to ensure the safety of Israeli citizens.