ALBAWABA- Demonstrators took to the streets across Israel on Tuesday, demanding a deal to secure the release of prisoners held in Gaza, as the government prepared for a Cabinet meeting focused on the ongoing war.
Iran rejects Australia’s accusations of orchestrating antisemitic attacks, vows reciprocal measuresIn Tel Aviv, protesters blocked major roads, waving Israeli flags and carrying photos of captives. Rallies were also reported outside the homes of ministers and near a branch of the U.S. mission in Israel.
“Prime Minister Netanyahu is prioritizing the destruction of Hamas over the release of prisoners,” said Ruby, whose son was kidnapped during the October 7 attack. “He thinks it is acceptable and legitimate to sacrifice 50 prisoners for political purposes,” he told a rally.
Israeli media reported that the Knesset ended its session Tuesday without addressing the Gaza prisoner issue. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich did not attend, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told his Cabinet that “no exchange deal is currently on the table,” calling any partial deal “pointless.”
An Israeli official further confirmed that the government “will not discuss the mediators’ offer,” instead preparing for a large-scale military operation in Gaza.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized the decision, calling it “a disgrace that the Cabinet convened without discussing the hostage deal,” insisting that “there is a deal that exists that would return the prisoners.”
Earlier this month, the security cabinet approved a plan to seize Gaza City, intensifying protests across Israel in recent weeks. Last week, Netanyahu authorized talks to release all remaining detainees but reiterated that the military campaign would advance regardless.
The latest developments come after Hamas accepted a new ceasefire proposal brokered by mediators, involving the phased release of Israeli captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners during an initial 60-day truce.
