Protesters surround Israeli ministers’ homes demanding release of prisoners

Families and supporters of Israeli prisoners held in Gaza are protesting in front of ministers’ residences in various places, including Tel Aviv. They are demanding a ceasefire agreement. The Hostage and Missing Families Forum said protesters are also gathering in front of the homes of Defense Minister Israel Katz, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, and ministers Eli Cohen, Miri Regev and Avi Dichter. The Times of Israel reported that Yehuda Cohen, the father of Israeli soldier Nimrod Cohen, who was held in Gaza, was present in front of Israel Katz’s home. He expressed his anger and said: ‘On the 688th day, I came to remind you (Israel Katz) that the Israeli soldier who was sent to protect the country in a faulty tank is still trapped in the Gaza tunnel.’ He added, ‘If you really consider yourself the defense minister, then act like a defense minister, not a war minister.’ According to Israeli authorities, more than 1,200 people were killed and about 250 were kidnapped in southern Israel in an attack led by the Palestinian Liberation Organization (Hamas). Israeli media say that at least 50 prisoners are still in Gaza, of whom an estimated 20 are alive.

Sources: Times of Israel, Al Jazeera.