ALBAWABA - Thousands of Israelis protested in 70 sites today, demanding the release of Gaza inmates and early elections. The rallies in front of Tel Aviv's Ministry of Defense and Rehovot's Science Park show growing public pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's administration.
The Israeli opposition claims Netanyahu is undermining a prisoner swap arrangement with Hamas, prompting the protests. Yair Lapid, the opposition leader, urged Netanyahu to prioritize Cairo negotiations above "ridiculous messages."
According to rumors, an unidentified political insider supposedly linked with Netanyahu's administration said that Tel Aviv will invade Rafah in southern Gaza with or without an agreement. Opposition members have speculated about Netanyahu's intentions after this remark on a quiet Saturday at a key time.
Meanwhile, family of arrested Israelis in Gaza stressed the need of a solution, believing their loved ones would only be restored via talks. Tel Aviv estimates 133 Israeli detainees in Gaza, while Hamas says 70 were murdered in Israeli bombings.
Netanyahu faces mounting criticism over his government's prisoner swap discussions and Gaza military actions. With emotions rising, every mistake may aggravate the situation.
In another event, a Hamas team arrived in Cairo, signaling progress in Egypt, Qatar, and the US-mediated ceasefire discussions. For months, these discussions have sought a prisoner swap and a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel.
