Since the outbreak of war, Israelis have been demonstrating daily to demand the resignation of the Netanyahu government and the release of prisoners (European)
Thousands of Israelis demonstrated, on Saturday, in several cities to demand the resignation of Benjamin Netanyahu's government, the holding of early elections, and the release of prisoners detained in the Gaza Strip, while police arrested 4 demonstrators in front of Netanyahu's house.
Al Jazeera's correspondent said that thousands of Israelis blocked the street to the Ministry of Defense in Tel Aviv, demanding that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu conclude an exchange deal with the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas).
The official Israeli Broadcasting Corporation indicated that thousands of Israelis demonstrated in Kaplan Square in central Tel Aviv, and closed the surrounding streets.
The police threatened to use force and arrest protesters in Tel Aviv if the streets remained closed.
The families of the prisoners detained in the Gaza Strip also closed the street opposite the headquarters of the Israeli Ministry of Defense in the Kiryah area, in central Tel Aviv, according to the commission.
In the city of Caesarea, Israeli police arrested 4 people during a demonstration in front of Netanyahu’s house in which hundreds participated, according to Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper.
The families of the Israeli prisoners said, "Netanyahu must put his political interests outside the war council room."
They added, "Netanyahu ignores us and does not hear us, and the biggest evidence is his press speech coinciding with our demonstrations."
The families of the prisoners demanded that the head of the labor union declare a strike and paralyze the economy until a prisoner exchange agreement was reached.
Israelis demonstrate daily to demand that Netanyahu's government step down and the release of prisoners, but central demonstrations are organized every Saturday evening throughout the country.
Hirsch (center) holding the hands of two Israeli families released by Al-Qassam during a previous deal (Reuters)
High price
For his part, the Israeli Coordinator for Prisoners and Missing Persons Affairs, Gal Hirsch, told the American CNN network that Hamas’ demands regarding the hostage deal are “an illusion” and must be “close to reality,” he said.
Hersh acknowledged that "the army is prepared to pay a high price for the return of the hostages, but the price does not amount to ending Israel's war against Hamas."
The Israeli Prisoners' Affairs Coordinator indicated that Netanyahu has concerns that "Hamas political officials who are negotiating the hostage deal are not in contact with Hamas officials on the ground in Gaza."
Hersh stressed that "the war will not end, and Hamas will be dismantled, but we very much want to reach an agreement and return the hostages," he said.
Source: Al Jazeera + agencies