The Hostages and Missing Families Forum received evidence that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government is torpedoing a deal for an end to the war, in opposition to the people’s will, the organization said Saturday, citing a political source.
“Tonight the people of Israel received further proof that the Netanyahu government is choosing endless war over the hostages, completely opposing the will of the people, even though a real option exists to bring the hostages home,” the families said.
The security cabinet is scheduled to meet on Sunday evening at the Prime Minister’s Office to discuss its Gaza City incursion; however, it will not discuss the agreement on the table that would release the hostages.
The forum urged Israelis to demonstrate in Jerusalem at the time of the cabinet meeting to demand that it discuss the existing framework for a deal to bring all the hostages home and end the war.
Demonstrations on Saturday evening took place calling for an immediate hostage deal and against the imminent Gaza City incursion, which reports indicate will see approximately 60,000 soldiers called up for service.
'Trump, make history!'
Protesters gathered at Hostage Square to commemorate the anniversary of the murder of six hostages in Hamas captivity, “a tragedy that demonstrated how military pressure endangers the hostages,” the forum said.
Gil Dickmann, cousin of Carmel Gat, said at the rally, “President Trump, my name is Gil. I’m an American citizen. My cousin Carmel was murdered in captivity one year ago. You weren’t president then. You weren’t there to save her. If you had been president then, maybe she’d be alive here today.”
“Don’t let Bibi [Netanyahu] fool you like he fooled president [Joe] Biden. Save these hostages, Mr. President. Like you saved so many others. Most Israelis want to end this war. Even Bibi’s voters want to end this war and bring all hostages home. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. End this war now. Bring them home now. President Trump, make history.”
Hostage protests
Families of hostages and protesters calling for a comprehensive deal have been gathering in mass protests across the country every several days, calling for Netanyahu to take action and agree to a hostage ceasefire deal.