Netanyahu Lays Red Lines In Ceasefire Talks, As Thousands Protest

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – Ahead of negotiations in Cairo and Doha continuing this week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu outlined non-negotiable demands for a ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas. Meanwhile, on the nine-month anniversary of Hamas’ attack, thousands of Israelis protested nationwide, demanding immediate elections and the release of 120 hostages since the war broke out on October 7.

The renewed negotiations in Egypt and Qatar follow Hamas’s announcement that it is open to discussing a hostage deal and an end to the conflict in Gaza. This marks a shift from its previous insistence on a “complete and permanent ceasefire” by Israel before any negotiations, a stance held since November.

The second redline he set was, “There will be no smuggling of weapons to Hamas from Egypt to the Gaza border.”

The third condition specified that “there will be no return of thousands of armed terrorists to the northern Gaza Strip.”

Additionally, the PMO emphasized that “Israel will maximize the number of living hostages who will be released from Hamas captivity.”

“The plan endorsed by Israel and welcomed by President [Joe] Biden will allow Israel to return hostages without compromising the other objectives of the war,” stated the PMO.

The statement also addressed criticism of the military actions against Hamas battalions in Rafah, noting, “Netanyahu’s steadfast position against halting IDF action in Rafah has led Hamas to enter negotiations.”

Opposition leader and Yesh Atid chairman Yair Lapid reacted to the PMO’s statement by saying, “I have one response to the statement from the Prime Minister’s Office: What is it good for?” He added, “We are at a critical moment in the negotiations; the lives of the hostages depend on it; why issue such provocative messages? How does it contribute to the process?”

NETANYAHU AND GALLANT CLASH OVER THE WEEKEND

Over the weekend, Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Gallant clashed on several issues. Netanyahu criticized Gallant for demanding broad consensus on the conscription law, arguing it gave the opposition enough power to block ultra-Orthodox conscription, potentially destabilizing the government and affecting hostage negotiations, which could lead to a defeat in the war.

Gallant, on the other hand, argued that tying the release of hostages to conscription exemptions for the Haredim is dangerous and irresponsible at this critical time. Amid these tensions, recent negotiations, both secretive and public, have shown promising progress toward a comprehensive hostage deal with Hamas that includes all hostages, both living and deceased.

THOUSANDS PROTEST ACROSS ISRAEL

On Sunday, thousands of protesters marched to Prime Minister Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem, calling for immediate elections and the release of 120 hostages held by Hamas on the nine-month anniversary of the war’s outbreak.

Meanwhile, in Tel Aviv, significant protests occurred where Einav Zangauker, a hostage’s mother, was dramatically suspended in a cage to underline the urgency of their demands.

Across the country, protesters blocked highways and rallied outside the homes of key ministers, intensifying their calls for action.

The day began with reminders of the October 7 attacks by Hamas, leading to widespread unrest and calls for a hostage deal, highlighted by signs stating, “Netanyahu, it is in your hands,” demanding government accountability for the hostages.

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