Netanyahu booed in Knesset for mishandling issue of captives in Gaza

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
25 Dec 2023 20:42
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The relatives of Israeli captives held in Gaza heckle the Occupation Prime Minister during his speech in the Knesset Point.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chairs a cabinet meeting, in "Tel Aviv", Occuppied Palestine, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023 (AP)

During the Knesset address of the Israeli Occupation's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, relatives of Israeli captives held in Gaza vehemently expressed their frustration at the Israeli leader heckling him during the speech.

While Netanyahu had pledged to secure the release of the captives, he indicated that more time was necessary.

The captives interrupted his speech with chants of "Now! Now!" when the prime minister mentioned the need for additional time to increase pressure on Hamas.

Every number represents a life, a story, and a dream shattered.

"Israel" has killed 20,674 people in #Gaza so far, and the toll is expected to continue to rise amid the ongoing aggression.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health stated that in the last 24 hours alone, 250… pic.twitter.com/xFvDGig5pi
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) December 25, 2023

Palestinian Resistance: no talks on Israeli captives before Israeli war stops

Yesterday, the head of Hamas' National Relations Abroad reiterated that the Resistance's position regarding any talks on a prisoner exchange with the Israeli occupation will not take place until the war on Gaza stops.

Talking to Al Mayadeen, Ali Baraka said that the Resistance has examined the situation and informed both the Qatari and Egyptian sides that it will not discuss a prisoner swap until the Israeli aggression ceases, stressing that the Resistance aims to empty Israeli prisons, especially as the occupation recently increased the number of Palestinian prisoners from the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Detailing the Israeli plan on the talks, Baraka said that "the enemy seeks to separate the files through brokering a prisoner exchange deal while also resuming aggression on Gaza," affirming that the Resistance will "not relinquish the prisoner card" and that all factions share this stance.

The Resistance's negotiating position is stronger with the prisoners card at hand, Baraka said, confirming that "we will not give it up."

"Hamas rejected any proposal for a one- or two-week ceasefire," the movement's official said, referring to Hamas' position that only a comprehensive and full ceasefire is accepted.

Relisting the conditions to start talks, he said: "ending the aggression, reopening the crossings, evacuating the wounded, and preserving the environment conducive to resistance."

"The Resistance desires an end to the war, but it does not want to compromise on the prisoner card and seeks to conduct an exchange deal based on its terms."