Israeli police officers detain a protester during clashes following an anti-government rally demanding the release of Israelis held hostage by Palestinian militants in Gaza since October, in Tel Aviv, September 1, 2024. | Photo credit: AFP
A rare general strike in Israel to protest the non-return of hostages in Gaza caused disruption across the country on Monday, while US President Joe Biden increased pressure by saying Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was not doing enough to reach a deal for a ceasefire and Hostage release.
The attack was ignored in some areas, reflecting deep political divisions in Israel over a ceasefire agreement after nearly 11 months of fighting.
Thousands of Israelis took to the streets in mourning and anger after six more hostages were found dead in Gaza late Sunday (September 1, 2024). It appeared to be the largest protest since the start of the war. The families and most of the people blamed Netanyahu and said that they could have been brought back alive through an agreement with Hamas.
But others support Netanyahu’s strategy of maintaining military pressure on Hamas, whose October 7 attack on Israel sparked the war. They say this will force the militants to bow to Israeli demands, potentially facilitating rescue operations and ultimately wiping out the group.
Mr Biden arrived at the White House for a Situation Room meeting and spoke to reporters, where advisers negotiated the deal. When asked if Netanyahu was doing enough, Biden said, “No.”
He stressed that negotiators were “very close” to an agreement, adding, “There is always hope.”
Hamas has accused Israel of delaying months-long ceasefire talks by issuing new demands, including permanent Israeli control of two strategic corridors into Gaza. Hamas has offered to release all hostages in exchange for an end to the war, a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces and the release of a large number of Palestinian prisoners, including high-profile militants.