Witkoff also praised Netanyahu for his efficiency in decapitating Hezbollah and Hamas but noted his decisions to continue fighting heavily opposed Israeli public opinion.
Now is the time to demand that neighboring countries and the international community apply every possible form of pressure to force Hamas to release the hostages and surrender.
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Israel's Envoy to the UN Danny Danon stressed that comparisons between Palestinian security prisoners and hostages held by Hamas were fundamentally inaccurate and offensive.
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The families said they feared their loved ones would be caught up in the fighting and or would worsen their treatment in Hamas captivity.
Democrats party head Yair Golan was thrown to the ground by a police officer at a protest outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Aza Street home.
Israel has ramped up its military response to Hamas in Gaza, with officials signaling a shift toward full control as hostage negotiations remain stalled.
Israel's return to fighting in Gaza just before the scheduled protest swung the pendulum for many protesters, who emphasized the importance of bringing the hostages above all else.
The remarks came as the IDF initiated Operation Strength and Sword in the early hours of Tuesday, which saw widespread strikes on the Gaza Strip, ending the ceasefire.