Politics Thousands of Israelis demonstrate: "Bring the hostages home"

Following the presumed death of another Israeli hostage in the Gaza Strip, thousands of people have once again taken to the streets to demand the release of the people abducted by the Islamist Hamas. "To our beloved hostages, if you can hear us, everyone here loves you. Stay strong. Survive," said activist Rachel Goldberg-Polin in Tel Aviv. Her son Hersh Goldberg-Polin was kidnapped by Hamas in the Gaza Strip and murdered there around three months ago.

"Concentrate on the most important mission: bring the hostages home," said his father Jon Polin, addressing the political decision-makers. "Don't make accusations, don't point fingers. Just be human beings." At another rally in the coastal metropolis, hundreds of people protested against Israel's government, which they accuse of dragging out the Gaza war and thus endangering the lives of the hostages. In Jerusalem, too, numerous people again demonstrated for an agreement with Hamas that provides for the release of the hostages.

Netanyahu's right-wing coalition partners reject an agreement with Hamas

They see Israel's head of government Benjamin Netanyahu as a major obstacle to such an agreement. In his fragile coalition, the Prime Minister is dependent on far-right and ultra-religious partners who are strictly opposed to a deal with Hamas. Netanyahu is also personally keen to keep his government alive for as long as possible. In the event of new elections, the head of government would not only be threatened with losing his office - the corruption investigations against him could also pick up speed again.

The fate of the Hamas hostages has been on Israel's mind for over a year. Around 1,200 people were killed in the massacre carried out by the Islamist Hamas and other terrorist groups in Israel on October 7, 2023 and 250 others were taken hostage in Gaza. It is estimated that around half of the 100 remaining hostages in the Gaza Strip are still alive.

Hamas spokesman: Another Israeli hostage dead

Islamist Hamas had previously announced that an Israeli woman kidnapped in the Gaza Strip had been killed. Another female hostage had been critically injured in an attack by Israeli forces in the north of the coastal region, the terrorist organization's spokesman, Abu Obaida, announced on the Telegram channel of the Al-Qassam Brigades - the military arm of Hamas. He referred to the women's guards. The information could not initially be independently verified.

The Hamas spokesman gave no details on the identity of the two hostages. It was also initially unclear exactly when the attack is said to have taken place. According to him, there had been no contact with the guards for weeks. Members of the military were in contact with the family of the woman who was allegedly killed, Israel's armed forces announced.

US Defense Secretary Austin talks to Israeli colleague about hostages

The hostages were also discussed during a meeting between US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Israeli counterpart Israel Katz. Austin emphasized the US commitment to the release of all hostages, including US citizens, according to a Pentagon statement. The US Secretary of Defense also called on the Israeli government to take further steps to improve the catastrophic humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip. Austin also reiterated that the US was committed to a diplomatic solution in Lebanon that would allow Israeli and Lebanese civilians to return safely to their homes on both sides of the border.

SDA