Israelis say Netanyahu endangering captives' lives for political gain
3 Min Read
During a protest in Tel Aviv, families of Israeli captives warned that Netanyahu's policies threaten their relatives' lives, calling for a ceasefire and comprehensive agreement with Hamas.
-
People take part in a protest demanding the end of the war and immediate release of captives, and against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government in Tel Aviv, occupied Palestine, May 17, 2025. (AP)
On Saturday evening, families of Israeli captives held in Gaza accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of dragging "Israel" into a pointless political war that "will lead to the death of captives and soldiers."
In a statement issued during a protest in Tel Aviv, the families called for a comprehensive agreement that would secure the release of all captives and bring an end to the war in the Gaza Strip.
Thousands of Israeli settlers, including families of captives, gathered at the Hostage Square on Saturday night, urging the Israeli occupation government to secure a deal in #Gaza and release all captives.
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) May 17, 2025
These calls and protests have been ongoing since the start of the… pic.twitter.com/k3xQjVgWfn
The families’ committee stated that “Netanyahu is serving an extremist minority, and the continuation of the war will kill the remaining captives,” adding that “military pressure will not bring them back, it will kill them."
People in #TelAviv protesting #Israel's continuing murder of innocent children in #Gaza.#IsraelTerroristState #GazaGenocide https://t.co/nj0oq2P36a pic.twitter.com/OEqpYh3Eom
— Jonathan Sugarman (@WhistleIRL) May 17, 2025
They issued a plea to US President Donald Trump, urging him to “put an end to Netanyahu’s actions and set a clear framework with Hamas to end the war.”
Read more: Hamas: US-Palestine talks led to Alexander's release
The families further emphasized, “We must end the war in Gaza just as we did in Lebanon and bring the captives home," urging the Israeli public to take to the streets and protest against what they described as “Netanyahu’s failed and negligent government policies,” and demanding an end to the war and the return of all Israeli captives.
Earlier, Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported that thousands had protested in Tel Aviv, calling on the government to act for the release of the captives.
Hamas willing to negotiate without abandoning core values
The demonstration coincided with ongoing negotiations in Doha aimed at finalizing a prisoner exchange deal and ending the war.
Senior Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi affirmed that the movement’s position on indirect negotiations with the Israeli occupation is clear, emphasizing its readiness to engage in dialogue without compromising on fundamental principles, foremost among them the end of the war on Gaza.
In an exclusive interview with Al Mayadeen, Mardawi confirmed that Hamas is actively participating in the negotiations in Doha, seeking to reach an agreement. However, he noted that the outcome remains dependent on the seriousness of the Israeli side.
Mardawi highlighted that the current negotiations are taking place without preconditions, which has given the process a distinct momentum.
"The occupation can no longer claim that a comprehensive agreement is impossible," he said, pointing out that procedural obstacles previously imposed by the occupation to obstruct negotiations have been removed.
Read more: Israelis faced no serious pressure from US to stop war: US officials
