Marchers in Jerusalem Demand Release of Israeli Hostages

Thousands of Israelis have marched from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem to demand that the government prioritize the release of hostages held in Gaza. The protesters gathered outside the residence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, criticizing him for not doing enough to secure the release of those held by Hamas. This call for action comes as US President Joe Biden reiterated his support for a two-state solution. So far, only four of the estimated 240 people taken hostage by Hamas during their attacks on October 7 have been freed, with the Israeli military recently finding the bodies of two hostages. The demonstration included the release of hundreds of yellow helium balloons and protesters expressed their frustration with the lack of information and urgency from the government in resolving the hostage crisis. Mr. Netanyahu, in a press conference, stated that the first priority is to destroy Hamas, followed by securing the release of the hostages and eliminating the threat from Gaza. In a separate protest, 400 people in Caesarea called for Mr. Netanyahu's resignation. President Biden, in an article published in the Washington Post, emphasized the importance of a two-state solution for long-term security for both Israelis and Palestinians. He also mentioned that achieving this solution would require commitments from both sides. The article seemed to be directed towards Mr. Netanyahu, who has historically opposed the two-state solution. Mr. Netanyahu has previously stated that Israel must maintain overall military responsibility in Gaza. President Biden also expressed his support for the Palestinian Authority governing Gaza and the West Bank after the Israel-Hamas conflict, noting that his administration is prepared to issue visa bans against extremists attacking civilians in the occupied West Bank.