According to the Haaretz newspaper, relatives of Israeli prisoners who emphasized that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has abandoned those held in Gaza to their fate, held a striking protest on the Ayalon Highway. Blocking traffic and spray-painting “300 days of abandonment” on the highway, the relatives called on Netanyahu to bring the prisoners back.
Einav Zangauker said his son Matan has been held in Gaza for 300 days along with 114 Israeli prisoners “because of Netanyahu’s repeated postponements of an agreement.” Zangauker stressed that the prisoner swap deal must be implemented urgently and called for the return of his relatives.
Natalie Zangauker, the sister of Matan, who was held captive, called out to the Netanyahu government by spray painting “Stop Sabotaging” on the overpass on the Ayalon Highway. Israeli police detained one of the prosecutors.
Relatives of Prisoners Worried Assassinations Are Undermining Negotiations
Shlomi Berger, father of Agam Berger, who is being held captive in Gaza, expressed concern that the assassinations would harm the negotiation process with Hamas. Berger expressed hope that the assassinations would not negatively affect the negotiations and that relations with Hamas would continue.
Amid ongoing talks between Hamas and Israel through mediators, Netanyahu’s government has been accused of delaying the agreement, causing increased civilianties in Gaza and endangering the lives of prisoners.
It is known that Netanyahu’s coalition partners, Jewish Power Party leader and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Religious Zionism Party leader and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, have threatened to leave the government if a deal is reached with Hamas.
