Israelis Protest Outside US Embassy in Tel Aviv, Calling for Hostage Deal
Protesters gathered outside the US Embassy in Tel Aviv on Wednesday, demanding that US President Joe Biden take action to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza. The latest cease-fire proposal for the Gaza Strip has failed to meet Israel’s crucial demands, including the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the enclave and the return of residents to their homes.
Hamas, the militant group governing Gaza, released a statement rejecting the proposed plan, stating that it does not meet their demands. However, they also expressed “flexibility” and a willingness to continue negotiations through mediators in order to achieve an agreement that satisfies the demands and interests of their people.
The latest proposal put forward by the US calls for a six-week cease-fire, along with an increase in humanitarian aid. It also includes the release of sick, wounded, elderly, and female hostages, as well as hundreds of Palestinians held in Israeli jails. The United States, Egypt, and Qatar have been working tirelessly to broker a deal before the start of the holy month of Ramadan.
However, talks are currently taking place in Cairo without the presence of Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has refused to send a delegation until Hamas provides more information regarding the number of hostages still alive and their health status. Negotiators have suggested a shorter pause in fighting as a gesture of goodwill, which could potentially lead to a longer-term agreement.
In light of the ongoing tensions, Israel’s National Security Council has issued a travel warning, cautioning that terrorist organizations may view Ramadan as an opportunity to carry out attacks and acts of violence. The United States and Jordan have responded to the worsening hunger crisis in Gaza by conducting airdrops of aid. On Tuesday, they airdropped 36,800 meals over northern Gaza, marking the second such operation in four days.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident, a commercial ship in the Gulf of Aden was targeted by a missile strike, forcing the crew to abandon ship. This attack, carried out by Houthi rebels, resulted in fatalities and significant damage to the vessel. The extent of the damage to the Barbados-flagged True Confidence is currently unknown. US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the deaths but did not provide further details. A US warship and the Indian navy are currently at the scene.
Houthi rebels have been using radio communication to hail ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden as part of their ongoing efforts to disrupt shipping in the region. While they have not claimed responsibility for this particular attack, it occurred alongside a separate incident where the Indian navy fought a fire on another container ship targeted by the rebels.
The situation in both Gaza and the Gulf of Aden remains tense and uncertain. As negotiations continue and tensions escalate, it is crucial for all parties involved to find a peaceful resolution that addresses the concerns and demands of both sides. The coming weeks will be critical in determining the path forward and whether a lasting agreement can be reached.