Netanyahu's Dismissal and the Return of Hostages: Thousands of Israelis in the Streets

As negotiations in Cairo regarding a ceasefire in the besieged Gaza Strip falter, thousands of Israelis took to the streets demanding that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government make greater efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas, or resign immediately. Family members of the captives joined the crowds protesting in Tel Aviv, carrying photos of their relatives who are still detained. Among them was Nima Weinberg, whose relative Itay Sversky was captured during the Hamas attack and was reportedly killed while in captivity, according to Israeli authorities. In a speech she delivered, she referenced a video published by Hamas on Saturday, announcing the death of one Israeli hostage. Weinberg stated, "Soon. Even those who have managed to stay alive during this time will not remain among the living. They must be rescued now." This came as some protesters blocked a major highway in the city before being dispersed by police, who used water cannons to clear the crowd. The indirect talks in Cairo concluded on Thursday with representatives from Israel and Hamas leaving without reaching an agreement.