Kfar malal: Israeli demonstrators confronted Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir on Saturday, accusing him of blocking efforts to secure the release of captives held in Gaza, according to reports from Israeli media.
According to Anadolu Agency, The Times of Israel reported that protesters intercepted National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and his son, Shoval, in Kfar Malal, chanting 'shame' while holding up posters of hostages still held in Gaza. The protesters accused Ben Gvir of 'leaving the hostages to die,' calling him a 'draft dodger' due to his past disqualification from army service because of extremist activities.
Ben Gvir has consistently opposed making deals with the Palestinian resistance group Hamas for hostage releases, acknowledging that he has personally blocked multiple agreements. He even exited the government during the January-March ceasefire and hostage exchange deal, only returning when military offensives resumed.
Israel is under increasing pressure to respond to a ceasefire proposal that Hamas accepted earlier this week. Mediators indicate that the plan includes a temporary truce and a phased exchange of captives for Palestinian prisoners. On Thursday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced he had authorized talks for a new deal with Hamas but suggested he would seek modifications to the current proposal, despite its similarity to terms previously accepted by Israel.
Israeli estimates indicate that of the over 200 captured in the October 2023 attacks, approximately 50 captives remain held by Hamas, including 20 believed to be alive. Concurrently, over 10,800 Palestinians are imprisoned in Israel.
Since October 2023, Israel's military operations have resulted in the deaths of nearly 62,300 Palestinians in Gaza. The campaign has severely impacted the enclave, which is now facing famine. Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice regarding its actions in the enclave.