Families of some of the remaining hostages held a protest vigil on the National Mall, demanding that Netanyahu come to terms with Hamas and bring home the approximately 120 Israeli hostages remaining in Gaza.
Quick Read
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington has sparked a series of protests, with demonstrators condemning both Israel and Netanyahu, while others call for a cease-fire and the release of hostages held by Hamas.
- Hundreds of protesters, organized by Jewish Voice for Peace, staged a sit-in at the Cannon Building, leading to multiple arrests.
- The protests criticize the Biden administration’s continued arms shipments to Israel and urge Netanyahu to negotiate a cease-fire.
- Netanyahu will address Congress on Wednesday, with increased security measures in place around the Capitol.
The Associated Press has the story:
Families of Israeli hostages gather for a vigil on the National Mall asking Netanyahu to seal the deal
Newslooks- WASHINGTON- (AP)
Families of some of the remaining hostages held a protest vigil on the National Mall, demanding that Netanyahu come to terms with Hamas and bring home the approximately 120 Israeli hostages remaining in Gaza.
About 150 people wearing yellow shirts that read “Seal the Deal NOW!” chanted “Bring Them Home” and listened to testimonials from relatives and former hostages.
The demonstrators applauded when Biden’s name was mentioned, but several criticized Netanyahu — known by his nickname “Bibi” — on the belief that he has been dragging his feet or playing hardball on a proposed cease-fire deal that would return all of the hostages.
“I’m begging Bibi. There’s a deal on the table and you have to take it,” said Aviva Siegel, 63, who spent 51 days in captivity and whose husband Keith remains a hostage. “I want Bibi to look in my eyes and tell me one thing: that Keith is coming home.”
