This Saturday, hundreds of people demonstrated across Israel demanding the Israeli government fulfill all stages of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza to ensure the return of the 59 hostages still in the hands of Hamas to their homes. The main concentration took place in Tel Aviv, where a video released by Hamas was projected showing former hostage Iar Horn saying goodbye to his brother Eitan, who remains kidnapped.
These protests are relevant given the upcoming conclusion of the first phase of the agreement, with uncertainty regarding the implementation of the next stage. The Israeli delegation expressed its rejection through mediators in Cairo, proposing to extend the current phase and maintain the exchanges of hostages for Palestinian prisoners, a measure Hamas believes allows Israel to avoid its commitment to end the conflicts in Gaza, as outlined in the next phase of the pact.
It has been reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet tomorrow with Defense Minister Israel Katz to discuss possible preparations for a resumption of bombings against Gaza. Meanwhile, recently released former hostages like Sasha Troufanov urge continuing to fight for the return of all captives, alive or deceased, equitably.
For its part, Hamas reiterated its commitment this Saturday to the remaining phases of the agreement, which include the return of the remaining hostages and the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip. Additionally, the Islamist group released a video and expressed its determination to move forward in fulfilling these terms, including the withdrawal of Israeli soldiers from strategic points such as the Philadelphi Corridor, the border between Gaza and Egypt.
In light of these circumstances, Netanyahu responded by asserting that he will not be influenced by Hamas propaganda, without providing details on future actions in Gaza. The families of the hostages have called for closing this chapter, emphasizing the urgency of resolving this pending situation.
