Israel was engulfed in large-scale protests on Sunday, with an estimated 500,000 citizens demanding an immediate ceasefire and the release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. The protests, which took place in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and other cities, were a response to the tragic deaths of six hostages, whose bodies were recovered from a tunnel in Rafah, a city in southern Gaza. The deceased hostages were identified as Carmel Gat, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Eden Yerushalmi, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi, and Ori Danino. A forensic examination revealed they were killed by Hamas terrorists in a number of shots at close range, 48-72 hours prior to their discovery.
The protests reflect growing public discontent with the Israeli government’s inability to reach a ceasefire agreement and secure the release of the remaining hostages. The Israeli military confirmed that 101 hostages are still being held by Hamas, with about a third believed to be deceased.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, facing increasing pressure to end the nearly 11-month conflict, vowed that Israel would not rest until the culprits were apprehended. However, senior Hamas officials attributed the deaths to Israel’s refusal to sign a ceasefire agreement.
The protests come after a brief ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas was reached to allow the vaccination of approximately 640,000 children against polio in Gaza.
President Joe Biden expressed his indignation over the deaths and assured that “Hamas leaders will pay for these crimes.” He also affirmed that the U.S. would persist in its efforts to secure a deal for the release of the remaining hostages. The situation remains tense as both sides continue to grapple with the consequences of this ongoing conflict.
