Israeli Families Rally for Hostage Deal as Netanyahu Rejects Hamas Demands Amid Growing Protests
Tensions escalated in Israel over the weekend as families of hostages held by Hamas gathered near the Gaza border, calling for an immediate deal to secure the release of 59 remaining captives. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel's commitment to continue military operations, rejecting Hamas's demand for a permanent ceasefire and insisting that any agreement must not interfere with Trump's controversial Gaza redevelopment plan, sparking widespread protests across the country Times of Israel1.
Hostage Families Demand Immediate Action from Government
On Saturday, families of hostages held an emotional rally near Kibbutz Nir Oz on the Gaza border, desperately calling out across the boundary in hopes their captive loved ones might hear their voices. The demonstration highlights growing public pressure on Netanyahu's government to prioritize the return of all remaining hostages, with families insisting on a comprehensive deal rather than phased agreements Times of Israel1.
"We don't have time to wait; they need to get out of there," said Menashe Harush, whose hostage nephew Elkana Bohbot appeared Saturday in a Hamas propaganda film. "We feel the situation isn't good. We are worried. Every day is a dangerous day" Times of Israel1.
Prosecutors have confirmed that among the hostages are Turkish nationals, including a 28-year-old man and his 59-year-old father-in-law, who had no prior contact with law enforcement. Investigators believe some hostages may still be alive in Gaza, though the harsh conditions of captivity remain a serious concern Yahoo News2.
Former hostage Ilana Gritzewsky, who was freed in an earlier deal, recently shared harrowing details of her captivity, describing physical abuse, sexual harassment, and severe malnutrition during her 55 days in Gaza. Her testimony underscores the urgency felt by families of those still held by Hamas YnetNews3.
Netanyahu Rejects Permanent Ceasefire, Cites Trump's Gaza Plan
In a statement on Saturday, Netanyahu insisted that Israel has "no choice" but to continue military operations in Gaza, claiming that Hamas rejected Israel's latest proposal to free half the hostages in exchange for a temporary truce Weau4.
"We will not end the war before destroying Hamas, freeing the hostages, and ensuring that Gaza won't present a threat to Israel," Netanyahu declared, maintaining that Israel's security objectives must take precedence Weau4.
Netanyahu also suggested that a permanent ceasefire deal would interfere with the controversial "Trump plan" for Gaza, referring to the proposal announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on February 4, 2025. The plan envisions American control of Gaza, clearing debris and unexploded ordnance, and transforming the territory into what Trump called the "Riviera of the Middle East" Wikipedia5.
Notably, Trump's proposal initially included the forced relocation of approximately 2 million Palestinians, although administration officials have since walked back elements of the plan. Netanyahu has publicly supported the concept, viewing it as aligned with Israel's security interests Wikipedia5.
Negotiations Deadlocked as Demands Remain Far Apart
The current negotiations appear to be at an impasse, with fundamental disagreements over the conditions for hostage releases. Hamas insists it will only free the remaining captives in exchange for an Israeli withdrawal and a permanent ceasefire, rejecting Israel's offer of a partial hostage release in return for a temporary truce Weau4.
Mediators, including Qatar, have expressed frustration over the slow pace of talks. A recent Hamas statement indicated willingness to release all remaining hostages in return for an end to the Gaza war, but Israel has refused these terms Reuters6.
Experts like Natan Sachs from the Brookings Institute have warned that any implementation of Trump's Gaza proposal could jeopardize the second phase of ceasefire-hostage negotiations, suggesting the plan might be better understood as a negotiation tactic to pressure regional actors Wikipedia5.
Growing Domestic Pressure Through Nationwide Protests
The deadlock in hostage negotiations has fueled widespread protests across Israel, with thousands demonstrating in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and other cities demanding the government prioritize bringing the captives home Haaretz7.
In Jerusalem, approximately one thousand protesters marched from the government complex to Netanyahu's private residence on Thursday, carrying signs with messages such as "There is no freedom so long as they're there" and calling for an end to "Netanyahu's war" Times of Israel8.
Yehuda Cohen, father of captive soldier Nimrod Cohen, delivered scathing criticism of Netanyahu at the Gaza border rally: "We know there's no chance you'll hear us 40 meters underground," he said to his captive son, "but I'm conveying these words directly to the one to blame for you being there, the criminally accused and funder of Hamas. He continues to wage war at the expense of the hostages of your blood, in order to survive. Netanyahu, resign! You've failed." Times of Israel1.
The protests have been further fueled by the involvement of thousands of military reservists and retirees who have signed public letters calling for a ceasefire deal to secure the return of all hostages CNN9.
Expert Analysis: Political Calculus Behind Netanyahu's Position
Middle East analysts suggest Netanyahu's rejection of Hamas's demands reflects both security concerns and political calculations. With his coalition dependent on far-right partners like National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who recently criticized the army chief's decision to dismiss an officer following the killing of aid workers, Netanyahu faces pressure to maintain a hard line against Hamas.
"The prime minister is caught between growing domestic pressure to secure a hostage deal and his political need to satisfy coalition partners who oppose any significant concessions to Hamas," said Dr. Ehud Eiran, a senior research fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv. "The invocation of Trump's Gaza plan provides Netanyahu with a strategic rationale for continuing military operations, even as public opinion increasingly favors prioritizing the hostages' return."
The reference to Trump's plan may also serve to strengthen the U.S.-Israel relationship at a time when some tensions have emerged over the handling of humanitarian aid and civilian casualties in Gaza.
Humanitarian Concerns and International Response
The World Health Organization has expressed grave concern about conditions in Gaza, with Dr. Hanan Balkhy, head of WHO's eastern Mediterranean office, urging the new U.S. ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, to visit Gaza firsthand to witness the humanitarian situation Weau4.
International reactions to the ongoing conflict and Trump's Gaza proposal have been largely negative, with Palestinian leaders, Arab states, and international organizations condemning any plan that might involve the forced displacement of Palestinians as a violation of international law Wikipedia5.
The Gaza Health Ministry reports that over 90 people have been killed in the past 48 hours alone, adding to humanitarian concerns about the continuation of military operations Haaretz10.
A Nation Divided Over Path Forward
As Israel approaches the seven-month mark since the October 7 Hamas attack, the nation finds itself increasingly divided over the best approach to secure the release of the remaining hostages. Former hostage Omer Shem Tov captured this sentiment at a rally in Tel Aviv, urging the government: "Do what you should have done a long time ago. Bring them all back now! And in one deal. And if this means to stop the war, then stop the war" Weau4.
The growing protests, including from military reservists and former security officials, indicate a shifting public mood that increasingly prioritizes the immediate return of hostages over long-term military objectives. Yet Netanyahu's government remains committed to its stated goals of destroying Hamas and securing Israel's southern border.
As international mediators continue their efforts and families hold vigils along the Gaza border, the question remains: can Israel find a path that both secures the release of hostages and addresses its legitimate security concerns, or will the impasse continue at the cost of those still held captive in Gaza?
[Image: Families of hostages rally near the Gaza border, calling for an immediate deal for the return of their loved ones. Credit: Times of Israel]
