Thousands of Israelis urge hostage deal
Thousands of Israelis have rallied in Tel Aviv to demand acceptance of a ceasefire and hostage release deal outlined by US President Joe Biden, with many fearing the premier would reject the proposal.
Israeli and US flags dotted the crowd in the central plaza they have dubbed Hostages Square, alongside banners urging: “Bring them home!”
“Biden is our only hope,” protester Abigail Zur, 34, told AFP.
Demonstrators told AFP they were worried that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would disown the deal.
“Biden cares about our hostages more than Netanyahu does,” said Karen, a protester in her early fifties, as others chanted: “Now, Now”.
Netanyahu was more concerned about his political future, said protester Diti Kapuano, 46.
“I hope that somehow Biden puts enough pressure so the government and Netanyahu will take the deal,” she said.