Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has demanded the instant release of all Hamas-hosted hostages and an unconditional Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, sparking a new offensive phase and escalating protests across Israel.
Immediate Decision by Israeli Prime Minister
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered an immediate start to negotiations for the release of all hostages held by Hamas and a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, declaring the goal a “win” only on terms acceptable to Israel. In a press briefing to the Gaza Division of the IDF, Netanyahu said he would approve a plan to seize control of the city, though he chose not to reveal who received the order and avoided comments on whether Israel would accept the phased hostage release proposal from Hamas announced Monday.
Israel’s Operation in Gaza
On Wednesday, August 20, Israel began the first phase of its planned assault on the city of Gaza after clashes with Hamas, claiming control of the outskirts. Earlier, the IDF had called up tens of thousands of reservists for a massive offensive. A spokesperson, Effie Defrin, said the forces would intensify attacks on Hamas in Gaza, targeting the terrorist bastion’s infrastructure both above and below ground and eroding public confidence in Hamas.
Protests in Israel
Thousands took to the streets of major Israeli cities last weekend demanding an end to the war in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages. In Tel Aviv’s “Hostage Square,” demonstrators displayed a flag bearing images of those abducted by Hamas, blocked streets, and the Tel Aviv–Jerusalem highway. Organizers called for a nationwide strike and criticized Netanyahu’s assurances of release, citing that Hamas has held no hostages since Israel abandoned a prior proposal in March. Families fear that expanded military operations in Gaza—where some hostages may still be held—place them in danger. According to the Israeli army, about 49 hostages are in Gaza, 27 of whom are believed dead. UN warnings of famine in Gaza and reports that the Israeli military killed 13 civilians on August 16 while they sought food aid, along with the Ministry of Health’s claim of 62,000 Palestinian civilian deaths since the conflict began, have intensified domestic and international opposition to the campaign.
Source: Gazeta,
