19.01.2025 01:30
After the ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement in Gaza, the families and supporters of Israeli prisoners held a demonstration demanding Prime Minister Netanyahu to implement all stages of the agreement. The families of Israeli prisoners called on Netanyahu to announce that the war has ended and that the terms of the agreement must be fully met.
After the agreement between Hamas and Israel regarding the prisoner exchange that includes a ceasefire in Gaza, protests were held in Israel.
The families of Israeli prisoners held in Gaza and demonstrators supporting them gathered on Begin Street in front of the Ministry of Defense building in Tel Aviv, demanding Prime Minister Netanyahu to implement the agreement in all its stages.
Demonstrators gathered on Kaplan Street in Tel Aviv carried Israeli flags and banners, posters, and placards against Netanyahu and the politicians in his government.
CALL TO NETANYAHU
In a weekly press statement made by the families of Israeli prisoners, Prime Minister Netanyahu was called upon to announce to the public that "the war is over and the terms of the agreement will be fully implemented."
Danny Elgarat, brother of Israeli prisoner Itzik Elgarat, urged U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to pressure Netanyahu to ensure the full implementation of the three-stage ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement.
Elgarat stated, "We want you to stay alert. Ensure the full implementation of the agreement and that it does not fall apart. Demand Netanyahu to announce that the war is over."
"I REALLY FEAR NETANYAHU WILL SABOTAGE THE AGREEMENT"
Ronen Atzili, who participated in the protest, emphasized that all stages of the agreement must be implemented for the body of his brother Aviv Atzili to be brought back from Gaza and for Israeli prisoners to return home.
Atzili highlighted his fear of Netanyahu sabotaging the agreement, saying, "I really fear this happening. I do not trust him. I am sure we only obtained this agreement thanks to the pressure from the U.S. President Trump. If it were left to Netanyahu, there would be no agreement."
Atzili stated that the government led by Netanyahu must implement the ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement to the end for all Israeli prisoners to return home "at all costs."
"THE CONTINUATION OF THE AGREEMENT WILL BE GOOD FOR ISRAELI PRISONERS, THEIR FAMILIES, AND PALESTINIANS IN GAZA"
Tali Batin, who participated in the protests on Begin Street to support the families of Israeli prisoners, also expressed her concern that Netanyahu might sabotage the agreement for his political interests.
Batin said she was "very afraid" that Netanyahu would prevent the second phase of the agreement from coming into effect, stating, "We have experience from the last time. We know that his political interests do not align with sustaining this agreement to the end."
Batin emphasized the importance of keeping all stages of the ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement in effect in Gaza, saying, "I am very hopeful. This will be good for both the prisoners and their families, as well as for the Palestinians in Gaza. If the agreement remains in effect, it will be perfect."
Batin argued that Netanyahu does not want the second phase of the agreement to be implemented, but added, "However, Trump will pressure him for the second phase as well. We hope for that."
CEASEFIRE AGREEMENT IN GAZA
Qatar, one of the mediating countries, announced on January 15 that an agreement had been reached between Israel and Hamas regarding a ceasefire and prisoner exchange in Gaza.
The ceasefire agreement, which will come into effect on Sunday, January 19, will consist of three stages, with 33 Israeli prisoners being released during the first 42 days.
The agreement also includes comprehensive humanitarian aid reaching the Gaza Strip and allowing displaced Palestinians to return to their regions. The details of the second and third stages will be announced upon the completion of the first stage.