Netanyahu stood quietly while some attendees shouted "Shame on you," and one protester repeatedly called out, "My father was killed," causing him to pause briefly. Initially, the event did not plan for bereaved family speeches to avoid government criticism, but they were eventually allowed to speak.
The Oct. 7 attacks led to 1,139 deaths in Israel and over 200 captives taken to Gaza, with nearly 100 still held. Pressure is mounting on Netanyahu's administration to negotiate their release. Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi proposed a temporary two-day ceasefire to facilitate an exchange of captives, aligning with renewed ceasefire talks in Doha involving the CIA and Mossad leaders.
Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar's recent death has intensified calls from international and family groups for the captives' release, although both sides are reportedly firm in their positions. Critics in Israel claim Netanyahu has obstructed ceasefire negotiations, with the Israeli military reporting 34 of the captives as deceased. Netanyahu has also rejected previous ceasefire proposals, including one from the U.S. in May, and approved targeting Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.
While Hamas demands an end to hostilities and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, where over 42,000 Palestinians have died since Oct. 7, 2023, Israel's far-right government continues to pursue a military approach, expanding conflict with a ground offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant acknowledged that securing the captives might require concessions beyond military action.
