Relatives of hostages entered a Knesset meeting this Monday to protest the captivity of their loved ones held by Hamas in Gaza for more than a hundred days. They urged an immediate agreement and delivery of a tangible path to freedom.
The Forum for Relatives of Hostages and Missing Persons stated that the protest was justified after they sent a letter to the Knesset Secretariat the previous day, requesting that no business be pursued except actions aimed at securing the return of the captives. They asserted that all other concerns could wait while the hostages remain in danger.
Unable to obtain a response, some relatives breached security lines today and reportedly entered the finance committee’s meeting room, according to local media coverage.
They camped in front of Netanyahu’s residence
Yesterday, the same group called for a sit-in in front of the Israeli prime minister’s official residence. New protests were anticipated to continue tonight, following large demonstrations in many cities across the country.
The Prime Minister met with several relatives and said there had been no concrete offer from Hamas. Reports indicate that Qatar and Egypt are exploring talks that could involve a ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza in exchange for the release of all hostages, based on a statement from the Prime Minister’s office. The plan, spanning 90 days, aims to advance negotiations toward a broader agreement.
The 90-day framework proposed a lasting ceasefire while Hamas begins releasing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, Israeli forces withdraw from Gaza’s populated areas, freedom of movement is expanded, drone use is halted, and humanitarian aid is increased. In the second phase, Hamas would release female service members and the remains of captives; Israel would release more prisoners. In the third phase, Israeli troops would pull back to the Gaza border, enabling the complete release of all hostages and the remaining male captives in the ongoing struggle.
The violence conducted by Islamist militants has resulted in more than 1,200 deaths and the abduction of about 240 people. In the first and only ceasefire with Hamas in November, 105 hostages were released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, marking a brief pause in the hostilities.
Israeli intelligence estimates suggest around 136 people are still being held, with at least 27 of them believed to be deceased at this time.