Relatives of Hostages in Israel Protest Outside Homes of Government Officials

Relatives of Israeli hostages, who remain in the hands of Palestinian Islamists from the Hamas terrorist organization, have staged protests outside the private homes of six Israeli government officials, including Defense Minister Israel Katz and Foreign Minister Gidon Saar, according to a report by dpa.

The protesters have urged ministers to approve a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and to negotiate with Hamas militants for the release of the hostages, stating, "We will not forgive any further delays. Listen to the people: stop this war and bring everyone home." On August 18, the AFP agency reported, citing Hamas sources, that they had accepted a new ceasefire proposal in Gaza.

According to the source, this involves a 60-day ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas in two phases. It is estimated that of the 50 Israeli hostages in the hands of the terrorists, only 20 are still alive. Israeli authorities have yet to officially confirm their agreement to the ceasefire proposal. Earlier, on August 17, several hundred thousand people participated in a rally in Tel Aviv demanding that the Israeli government negotiate a deal with Hamas for the release of the hostages.