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Thousands demonstrated against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a demand for an immediate hostage deal, ceasefire and general elections in the state of Israel. Clashes with the Israeli police occured after protestors had set up a bonfire in front of the IDF headquarters and then blocked the Ayalon highway. Tel Aviv, Israel. March 16th 2024.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is refusing to budge, despite protests in Israel’s streets and calls for change within the US Congress. US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer — America’s highest-ranking Jewish politician — recently called on Israel to hold fresh elections, stating that Bibi has “lost his way.” This weekend, thousands of Israelis demonstrated to demand early elections and the release of hostages — with protesters in Tel Aviv being met by water canons.
On Sunday, Bibi said Schumer's call for elections was "totally inappropriate,” claiming that the majority of Israelis support his goal of destroying Hamas. He also vowed not to change course on Rafah, where he has threatened a ground offensive. “We will operate in Rafah,” he said. “It will take a few weeks, but it will happen.”
Israel notably launched a raid on al-Shifa hospital in Gaza overnight Sunday, with reports of heavy gunfire. Israeli military leaders said "senior Hamas terrorists" had been launching attacks from the hospital.
Meanwhile, the suspended cease-fire talks between Israel and Hamas were expected to resume on Sunday in Qatar for the first time since the start of Ramadan, with Hamas reportedly proposing a three-stage plan to end the fighting with prisoner and hostage exchanges. Israeli media reported Israel's delegation hoped to bring home around 40 prisoners in exchange for a six-week truce.
Family members of the hostages are pushing Bibi to make a deal to bring their loved ones home, but his plans for Rafah seem to conflict with establishing a cease-fire that could allow for such exchanges, much less a lasting peace.