Israeli protesters block roads/Demand release of hostages and ceasefire

2024-07-07 13:05:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Israeli protesters blocked highways across the country on Sunday, calling on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resign and press for a ceasefire to free hostages being held in Gaza by Hamas - the terrorist group designated by the United States and the European Union. .

The demonstrations were held a day after international mediators renewed efforts to broker a deal between Israel and Hamas.

On Saturday, Hamas gave initial consent to a US proposal for a cease-fire deal in the Gaza Strip, after giving up one of its key demands, an Egyptian and Hamas official told The Associated Press.

Hamas' decision could lead to a ceasefire for the first time since last November, and pave the way for further talks to end the now nine-month war.

Israel launched the war in Gaza in response to an attack by Hamas in southern Israel on October 7 that killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and kidnapped around 250 others.

Since then, Israel's war in Gaza has killed more than 38,000 Palestinians, half of them children and women, according to Palestinian health officials.

The war has also caused tremendous damage and fueled a major humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Protesters blocked major roads and also demonstrated in front of the homes of members of Israel's Parliament.

Near the border with Gaza, Israeli protesters released 1,500 yellow balloons in honor of those killed and kidnapped.

Hannah Golan said she came out to protest "the abandonment of our communities by our government".

She added: "Today has been nine months since that black day, and still no one in our government takes responsibility."

Israel says more than 120 hostages are still being held in Gaza, after more than 100 others were freed during a brief ceasefire in November. According to him, about 40 hostages have died and it is feared that more will die as the war continues.

Ceasefire talks have stalled from time to time because of Hamas's demand that any deal include an end to the war.

Prime Minister Netanyahu has offered a temporary cessation of hostilities, but has said the war will not end until Israel exterminates Hamas and returns all hostages being held by the militant group./ REL