Tens of thousands of protestors took to the streets in Israel demanding the release of all captives being held by Hamas, including New Jersey native Edan Alexander. Hamas has agreed to release five hostages who were kidnapped during a massacre in exchange for a 50-day cease-fire, starting during the Eid al-Fitr holiday and continuing through Passover. Egypt proposed this deal with the backing of the US, which is putting pressure on both parties to reach an agreement. Israel responded with a counteroffer, the details of which are unknown, but it is believed to align with a previous proposal by US special envoy Steve Witkoff.
The US has been lobbying Egypt and Qatar to pressure Hamas to release the hostages, with hopes of restoring the cease-fire that Israel ended in mid-March. The Egyptian proposal also comes after reports that Qatar presented Hamas with a new US plan to bring about a cease-fire in Gaza through the release of Edan Alexander, the last living American hostage. However, Hamas still holds 59 captives, 24 of whom are believed to be alive, including Alexander. The terror group likely agreed to the Egyptian proposal to quell anti-Hamas protests in Gaza and buy time for new negotiations.
Hamas recently released a video of Israeli hostage Elkana Bohbot begging to be released and reunited with his family. The videos are causing distress to the families of the hostages, who are desperate for their loved ones to be freed. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made it clear that the war will not end until all hostages are released and Hamas relinquishes power. In response to the ongoing situation, tens of thousands of Israelis protested in cities across the country in support of a hostage deal and against the actions of the government.
One of the key groups advocating for the release of hostages is the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, calling for all captives to be released at once in exchange for a permanent end to the war. A large majority of Israelis support ending the war in exchange for a deal that releases all remaining hostages, according to a recent poll. The situation remains tense, with pressure mounting on both sides to reach a resolution and secure the release of the captives. The negotiations are ongoing, with various proposals being put forward to broker a cease-fire and secure the freedom of those being held by Hamas.
