Published 22 January 2024 at 14.53
Foreign. Relatives of Hamas hostages forced their way into the Knesset finance committee in Jerusalem on Monday. They are demanding that lawmakers take action to secure the release of their relatives.
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Video clips of the dramatic scenes are circulating on social media, putting new pressure on the Israeli government.
Families of the Israeli hostages captured on October 7th entered Israel's parliament, the Knesset, forcing their way through security forces as their rage over Netanyahu's failure to achieve any significant military or diplomatic progress grows. pic.twitter.com/74zrJcUWqp
— MintPress News (@MintPressNews) January 22, 2024
Among other things, a woman held up pictures of three of her family members who were taken hostage on October 7.
– Only one would I like to bring back alive, one of the three, she shouted to the politicians, according to Reuters.
Other protesters are seen holding up signs with messages such as: “You will not sit still while they die there. Get up from your seats.”
On Sunday evening, a large group of relatives also blocked traffic outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's private residence on Azza Street in Jerusalem. The protesters have also pitched tents outside Netanyahu's residence with the intention of staying there until the remaining hostages held by Hamas are released.
Over 130 people are still being held hostage by Hamas.
Gadi Eisenkot, war cabinet minister and former commander-in-chief of Israel's IDF, recently demanded that the government negotiate a new truce with Hamas so that more hostages can be released.
On Monday, he was joined by Gen. Noam Tibbon, who is demanding a deal with Hamas.
– Otherwise they will all come back in coffins or not at all, he said on Israeli radio.
A vote of no confidence against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may soon be held in the Knesset.