Protests Erupt as Netanyahu’s Speech at Gaza Memorial is Disrupted
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced a wave of public anger on Sunday during a memorial ceremony for the victims of the October 7 Hamas attacks, as protesters disrupted his speech and demanded action for the release of captives held in Gaza.
The ceremony, initially planned without bereaved family members speaking, was altered due to public pressure and saw the inclusion of families who directly addressed the government. One protester, who identified himself as the son of a victim, shouted “My father was killed,” and others chanted “Shame on you,” interrupting Netanyahu’s address.
Meanwhile, ceasefire talks resumed in Doha, Qatar, with the directors of the CIA and Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency participating. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi proposed a two-day truce in Gaza to allow the exchange of four Israeli captives for Palestinian prisoners. He also called for talks to resume within 10 days of implementing the truce to achieve a permanent ceasefire.
The pressure on Netanyahu to secure the release of the remaining 97 Israeli captives in Gaza has been mounting, particularly after the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar earlier this month. Critics have accused Netanyahu of obstructing mediation for a truce and deal to release the captives.
Netanyahu, who has rejected previous ceasefire proposals, including one from the Biden administration, has faced accusations of prioritizing a military solution. He has also been criticized for approving the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh while he was engaged in negotiations in Tehran.
While the Israeli military claims 34 of the captives are dead, families and Western leaders have called on the government to secure their release.
In a separate speech marking the Hebrew calendar anniversary of the Hamas attack, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant acknowledged that military action alone will not achieve the country’s war aims, which include bringing home the captives.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has claimed the lives of over 42,000 Palestinians and 1,139 Israelis since October 7, 2023. The Israeli government’s stance, focused on a military solution, has been met with increasing public frustration and demands for a negotiated settlement.
