Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly apologised to the nation for his government’s failure to secure the return of six hostages who were found dead in Gaza on Saturday.
His apology comes as Hamas warned that more hostages could be “returned to their families in shrouds” if a ceasefire is not reached.
Netanyahu’s remarks were made against the backdrop of growing protests across Israel, with demonstrators expressing anger at his handling of the hostage situation. Thousands of Israelis took to the streets for a second consecutive night, demanding action and criticising the prime minister’s approach to negotiations.
Protests were particularly intense outside Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem, where police were reported to have used aggressive tactics, including violently pushing protesters and detaining several individuals. A journalist from *The Times of Israel* reported being assaulted by police during the protests.
The demonstrations followed a weekend of widespread unrest, with hundreds of thousands of Israelis rallying across the country. In Tel Aviv, major highways were blocked as protesters, many waving Israeli flags and displaying yellow ribbons symbolising solidarity with the hostages, demanded government action.
The unrest comes amid international pressure on Israel, particularly after the UK announced it would suspend 30 out of 350 arms export licences to Israel. The UK Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, stated that the suspension was due to concerns that the equipment could be used in ways that violate international law.
The suspended licences include parts for fighter jets, helicopters, and drones. While Israel’s Defence Minister Yoav Gallant expressed disappointment over the decision, Foreign Minister Israel Katz warned that it could send a “problematic message” to Hamas and Iran.
Meanwhile, Hamas issued a chilling warning on Monday, stating that any further attempts by Israeli forces to rescue hostages could result in their deaths. A spokesperson for Hamas declared, “Netanyahu’s insistence to free prisoners through military pressure, instead of sealing a deal, means they will be returned to their families in shrouds.”
In the midst of these tensions, Israel’s largest trade union, Histadrut, called for a general strike to pressure the government into agreeing to a ceasefire and securing a hostage release deal with Hamas. While some sectors were affected, Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport reported minimal disruption, and many businesses continued to operate as normal.
Internationally, US President Joe Biden has expressed dissatisfaction with Netanyahu’s efforts, suggesting that the Israeli prime minister is not doing enough to secure a deal with Hamas. There are reports that a new proposal may be sent to Netanyahu, described as a “final” opportunity to reach an agreement.
Netanyahu’s political survival is also under threat, as his far-right allies in the coalition government have signalled they may withdraw support if he agrees to a ceasefire before Hamas is fully dismantled. The ongoing negotiations, mediated by the US, Egypt, and Qatar, aim to secure the release of the remaining 97 hostages, including 33 who are presumed dead, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.
In the wake of Saturday’s tragic discoveries, funeral services were held for some of the hostages. Rachel Goldberg-Polin, the mother of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, one of the hostages whose body was recovered, spoke emotionally at his funeral, describing the months of torment and worry she endured. Hersh, who was kidnapped by Hamas on 7 October 2023, had managed to send two final messages to his family during his ordeal, writing: “I love you guys” and “I’m sorry.”
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