Far-right Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was heckled Monday by hostages’ families calling for an immediate deal to free those held by Hamas as he spoke in the Knesset plenum. They also held signs saying, “What if it was your brother?” and “What if it was your father?”

Netanyahu said “military pressure is needed to free the hostages, and that Israel would intensify its offensive in Gaza in the coming days: It will be a long fight, and it is not near its end.” after which the families chanted “Deal now! No time Now! Now!” demanding the immediate release of the hostages.

The families of those held hostage by Hamas in Gaza hold signs, including one saying, “What if it was your brother?” and shout “Now, now, now” demanding the hostages’ release during a speech by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, December 25, 2023 (Photo: Knesset)

MK Ofer Cassif (Hadash) spoke at the plenum, saying that the prior objective now is returning home the hostages and ending the war. According Cassif the hostage deal must be based on the “all for all” formula and an immediate ceasefire

Ten of thousands of Israelis demonstrated on Saturday night across Israel, calling for a hostages deal and the ouster of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his part in the governmental failure that led to Hamas’ massacre on October 7 and the outbreak of war in Gaza.

Related: https://maki.org.il/en/?p=31471