Global Protests Erupt After Gaza Hostage Deaths

Massive protests erupted across Israel and around the world after the Israeli military recovered the bodies of six hostages murdered by Hamas, intensifying calls for a ceasefire. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains firm in his stance against negotiating a ceasefire despite public outcry and pressure from international leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden. The release of a disturbing video by Hamas showing one of the hostages, Eden Yerushalmi, before her murder, has been condemned as psychological warfare. In response, Israeli society is deeply divided, with half a million Israelis protesting and global vigils being held to mourn the victims and demand the release of remaining hostages. Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has criticized Netanyahu for failing to secure the hostages' release, attributing their deaths to his policies. Meanwhile, demonstrations in support of Palestine have also taken place, highlighting the complex and polarized international sentiment surrounding the ongoing conflict.