**Netanyahu Faces Criticism Over Hostage Crisis Amid Ongoing Protests**
Benjamin Netanyahu has issued an apology to Israelis for his government's failure to secure the return of six hostages who were found dead in Gaza on Saturday. His apology comes as Hamas has threatened that more hostages could be returned to their families in shrouds if a ceasefire agreement is not reached.
Netanyahu's remarks coincided with intense protests in Israel, which entered their second night, reflecting public outrage over his handling of negotiations with Hamas. Demonstrators, including families of the hostages, have criticized Netanyahu for his inability to bring their loved ones home after nearly 11 months.
International pressure has also increased, with the UK suspending some arms sales to Israel due to concerns about potential violations of international law. This move has been met with criticism from Israeli officials. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant expressed dismay over the decision, and Foreign Minister Israel Katz argued that it sends a problematic message to Hamas and Iran.
Despite these pressures, Netanyahu has maintained a defiant stance. He emphasized the strategic importance of the Philadelphi corridor in Gaza and insisted that Israeli troops must retain control of this area, which remains a contentious issue in the ongoing negotiations with Hamas.
The protests have been marked by significant police aggression. Reports indicate that law enforcement officers have used forceful tactics against demonstrators, including pushing and dragging protesters, and even an incident involving a police officer squeezing a reporter's throat. The unrest has seen large crowds taking to the streets, including a significant protest outside Netanyahu's residence in Jerusalem, and some demonstrators blocking major highways.
On Monday, a general strike called by Israel’s largest trade union saw hundreds of thousands participating in a nationwide walkout aimed at pressuring the government to reach a ceasefire and hostage release agreement. Despite this, daily life in Tel Aviv and at Ben Gurion airport continued with minimal disruption, a fact noted by far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.
In the US, President Joe Biden has expressed concerns about Netanyahu's efforts to secure a deal with Hamas. Reports suggest that a new, final proposal will be presented to the Israeli Prime Minister. Netanyahu faces criticism from his far-right allies, who have threatened to withdraw from the coalition government if he accepts a ceasefire deal before Hamas is fully dismantled.
Meanwhile, efforts are underway by US, Egyptian, and Qatari mediators to broker a ceasefire that would involve the release of 97 hostages still held by Hamas, including 33 who are presumed dead, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.
The UK's foreign secretary said Israel's actions in Gaza continue to lead to "widespread destruction"
In the UK, Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced that 30 out of 350 arms export licenses to Israel have been suspended, citing a "clear risk" of the equipment being used to commit serious violations of international law. This decision affects parts for fighter jets, helicopters, and drones.
In the midst of these developments, funeral services have been held for some of the hostages killed on Saturday. At one such service, Rachel Goldberg-Polin, the mother of Hersh Goldberg-Polin—one of the hostages whose body was recovered—expressed her profound anguish and honor at being his mother. The war began on October 7, when Hamas breached the Gaza border, killing 1,200 Israelis and abducting 251. In response, Israel's retaliatory actions have resulted in over 40,000 Palestinian deaths, according to the Gaza health ministry.
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