in Jerusalem, families of Israeli hostages challenge majority deputies in front of the Knesset

In Israel, the families of victims of October 7 are protesting against the government’s method of trying to free the hostages by force. In front of the Israeli parliament, exchanges between families and deputies are tense.

For several weeks, in Jerusalem, the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament, has become the place of confrontation between the families of the victims of October 7 and the majority deputies. A confrontation and a question that has still not been resolved: should we continue the war to free the hostages by force, as the government wants, or should we negotiate with Hamas, as demanded by the majority of families?

A week ago, they forced their way into the Knesset and interrupted a parliamentary committee. For almost three months, the families of hostages and the missing have occupied a large tent opposite Parliament.

Here, some cry, while others dance. Yacov Godo, father of Tom murdered on October 7 in the Kibbutz of Kissoufim, lets his anger burst forth: “I swore at his grave that I would go up to Jerusalem, sit in front of the Knesset, and stay there until this government, and whoever rules it, falls. Let them take their responsibilities and let them go!”

“In the Hands of the Devil”

Last Sunday, far-right ministers and majority MPs organized a major conference to celebrate their plan to recolonize Gaza. “I have nothing to say to the families who have lost someone. Their loved ones are in the hands of the devil, they are Nazis,” denounces Ariel Kellner who participated in the meeting, he belongs to Likud, the Prime Minister’s party.

“But we are also responsible for the future of our country before ten million citizens. Where we live, we have no other choice than a crushing victory to eliminate Hamas.”

Ariel Kellner

at franceinfo

Negotiations for a new ceasefire are underway, but Benjamin Netanyahu repeated on Tuesday January 30 that he refused to release those he calls Palestinian terrorists, to allow the release of hostages.