Settlers demonstrate in al-Quds calling for exchange deal
3 Min Read
The families of the Israeli prisoners in the Gaza Strip continue their efforts, culminating on Saturday, with a march from Tel Aviv to al-Quds, and will hold a protest in front of Prime Minister Netanyahu's office demanding action for the return of the captives.
-
A demonstrator stands in a cage hanging from a pedestrian bridge as others wave Israeli flags during a protest marking nine months since the start of the war on Gaza and calling for the release of captives held in the Gaza Strip, in Tel Aviv, occupied Palestine, July 7, 2024. (AP)
Thousands of settlers have been demonstrating for four days, marching from Tel Aviv to al-Quds, demanding the realization of the exchange deal and the return of Israeli prisoners from the Gaza Strip.
The participants held Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responsible for undermining the deal, stating that "the proposal includes clauses that could endanger the lives of more prisoners."
They demanded an end to the sabotaging of the deal and urged the government to set aside any personal or political considerations to ensure the return of the prisoners. The demonstrators declared, "We are on our way to you, and we will not allow you to do this."
Israeli media anticipate that the participants will arrive in al-Quds this evening, where they plan to demonstrate in front of Netanyahu's office on Kaplan Street.
An Israeli media platform reported that Road No. 1 towards al-Quds has been closed to traffic with the approval of the Israeli occupation police, who initially objected to the demonstration route.
Israeli media outlets, quoting informed sources on the negotiations, confirmed that Netanyahu is hardening his stance despite previously agreeing to withdraw the occupation from the entire Gaza Strip in the second phase. That said, his new demands are likely to thwart the deal.
Israeli media considered the deal within reach and believed it could have been completed within two weeks after addressing some gaps in the negotiations. However, they argue that Netanyahu obstructed the deal for political reasons.
Earlier this month, Israeli newspaper Haaretz revealed on July 7 that a serious prisoner exchange deal is currently on the table in "Israel". The website stated that the deal is expected to involve "the return of some" of the captives, along with an agreed-upon plan for future discussions regarding the release of the remaining captives, while also aiming to prevent the outbreak of a full-scale war in the region.
Haaretz highlighted that the families of the captives, alongside the Israeli settlers, have been waiting for the release of captives being held in the Gaza Strip since October 7, and stressed that they "are already experiencing disappointment." The newspaper pointed out that this is not the first or second time that the deal seemed close, but repeatedly, for one reason or another, the agreement fails to bear fruit.
