As the Israeli government waits on imposing a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, protests outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence last night took place. The protesters were outraged at Netanyahu’s unilateral decision to extend the first phase of the agreement, originally negotiated in January, and his apparent hesitation to proceed.
When the protesters rallied behind the Israeli captives still in Gaza, there was little discussion of suffering Palestinian civilians, especially after Israel had blocked humanitarian aid from going into the enclave. The Israeli government’s actions suggested that the ceasefire was over, and the threat of a return to all-out war put everyone on edge. Whereas the first phase expired on Saturday, the agreement stipulated that humanitarian aid must continue to pour in as negotiations for the second phase were underway.
In a dramatic turnabout, Israel issued a “Witkoff plan”—in tribute to American envoy Steve Witkock—in which half of the hostages would be released at once, pending the condition that the rest would be released on the basis of a permanent ceasefire agreement. The action undermined initial ceasefire terms and reinstated the blockade of Gaza, driving food prices to record levels.
UNICEF warned that the blockade could cause devastating damage to vulnerable families and children in Gaza. Legal experts emphasized that collective punishment is illegal under the Geneva Conventions and pointed to an alarming lack of regard for international laws.
The Israeli government also organized the deployment of 400,000 reserve troops in readiness for potential confrontation. While widespread public anger against Netanyahu is not currently evident, irritation could grow if stalemate continues, especially if it seems that he is seeking an excuse to reverse the ceasefire and endanger the lives of the captives.
The fate of some 251 hostages kidnapped during the October 7 attack is a source of great concern among the Israeli public, and their families are increasingly vocal in condemnation of the prime minister.
