By Brendan Scanland
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Pressure is mounting this evening on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a ceasefire-hostage deal with Hamas after six hostages were killed in Gaza over the weekend.
Frustration and grief are on display in Israel as patience runs thin. The hostages were reportedly killed just a few hours before Israeli troops discovered the tunnel where they were being held.
Protests broke out near the residence of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu as demonstrators continue to plead for a ceasefire-hostage deal.
“Whether you’re religious or not, whether you’re a Muslim, a Christian, a Jew, it’s about being human. There are people there, there’s no reason on Earth they’re still there,” said one protester.
Pressure for Netanyahu to strike a deal is mounting not only in Israel but also in the U.S. While in Washington to meet with ceasefire negotiators in the situation room on Monday, President Joe Biden said Netanyahu is not doing enough.
“Do you think he’s doing enough,” asked a reporter. “No,” Biden replied.
Today, the Department of State said the U.S. will continue to engage with partners in the region for a final agreement.
“But ultimately finalizing an agreement will require both sides to show flexibility. It will require that both sides look for reasons to get to yes rather than the reasons to say no,” said State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller.
Miller reiterated the need for an end to violence in the region, and quickly.
“There are dozens of hostages still remaining in Gaza, still waiting for a deal that will bring them home. It is time to finalize that deal,” said Miller. “The people of Israel cannot afford to wait any longer. The Palestinian people who are also suffering the terrible effects of this war cannot afford to wait any longer. The world cannot afford to wait any longer.”
23-year-old Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin was among the six hostages killed by Hamas over the weekend in Gaza.