Incensed by PM’s upcoming US trip, thousands march in Jerusalem to call for hostage deal

Thousands demonstrate in Jerusalem for a hostage deal and early elections on July 20, 2024. (Charlie Summers/Times of Israel)
Thousands demonstrate in Jerusalem for a hostage deal and early elections on July 20, 2024. (Charlie Summers/Times of Israel)

Thousands of demonstrators in Jerusalem are marching to Paris Square in protest of Netanyahu’s government and urging an immediate hostage deal.

Incensed over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s planned US trip and speech to Congress this coming week, marchers fly a banner that reads: “No flight without a deal.”

The protesters come to a standstill at Paris Square, adjacent to Netanyahu’s official residence, but continue to chant before the start of a joint hostage families and anti-government rally.

“Only an end to the war will bring the hostages home,” says Mai Alvini-Peri, the grandson of Haim Peri, who was abducted by Hamas from Nir Oz on October 7 and confirmed dead by the IDF in early June.

“An end to the war will also bring an end to the government,” he adds. “So you all can understand why this war is continuing so long, and why there still isn’t a hostage deal.”

Mai Alvini-Peri, grandson of slain hostage Haim Peri, speaks to crowd of anti-government demonstrators in Jerusalem on July 20, 2024. (Charlie Summers/Times of Israel)

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