Israel Holds Right to Resume Conflict as Pro-Palestinian Rally Leads to Arrests in London
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu signals potential return to hostilities amid ceasefire, as protests in the UK result in over 70 arrests.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has affirmed that Israel reserves the right to resume military action against Hamas, despite a newly initiated ceasefire between the two parties.
Speaking on national television, Netanyahu stated that the ceasefire deal, which began on Sunday, will proceed only once Israel receives the names of three of the 33 hostages slated for release in the initial phase of the agreement.
The truce, brokered by mediators from Qatar and the United States, was confirmed by the Israeli government late on Friday.
As per the terms, 33 of the 98 hostages held by Hamas are to be freed within six weeks, with a second phase planned once the initial part of the agreement is met.
In exchange, between 990 and 1,650 Palestinian prisoners are expected to be released, contingent upon the fulfillment of the hostage release agreement.
In a parallel development, tensions surfaced in London where a pro-Palestinian rally resulted in the arrest of approximately 77 demonstrators.
The protesters, gathering in Whitehall, marched towards Trafalgar Square, at one point breaking through police barriers.
The protest was modified to a static rally by law enforcement, which curtailed plans for a march past notable locations including the BBC headquarters and a nearby synagogue.
Authorities reported that many of the demonstrators who breached conditions were detained, with charges ranging from public order offenses to violations related to the support of proscribed organizations.
One protester was seen atop a police car, displaying a Palestinian flag.
Amidst the international ceasefire discussions, Netanyahu highlighted Israel's sustained military efforts and strategic gains, including actions against Hamas leadership and entities such as Iran and Hezbollah.
He asserted that Israel has the backing of both U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and President Joe Biden to return to combat if necessary negotiations fail to progress.
In Gaza, prior to the ceasefire's commencement, Israeli airstrikes continued to target regions within the enclave, leading to additional casualties.
The Health Ministry in Gaza reported 23 fatalities, including a family of four resulting from the strikes.
Concurrently, Israeli defense systems intercepted projectiles believed to be launched by Houthi rebels from Yemen, aligning their actions with increased solidarity protests for the Palestinian cause.
The Metropolitan Police in London dispatched over 1,100 officers, including 200 from external forces, to manage the protest.
Senior police officials expressed concern over the deliberate breaches of protest conditions and indicated ongoing investigations with potential legal actions against identified offenders.
The protest was marked by the attendance of notable political figures such as former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.
Despite the disruptions, Jewish community organizations, like the Community Security Trust, expressed gratitude towards the police for maintaining peace during the Sabbath.
The ceasefire, if maintained, aims to bring respite to the Gaza Strip, which has witnessed extensive destruction, high casualties exceeding 46,000, and significant internal displacement since hostilities commenced in early October 2023.
Speaking on national television, Netanyahu stated that the ceasefire deal, which began on Sunday, will proceed only once Israel receives the names of three of the 33 hostages slated for release in the initial phase of the agreement.
The truce, brokered by mediators from Qatar and the United States, was confirmed by the Israeli government late on Friday.
As per the terms, 33 of the 98 hostages held by Hamas are to be freed within six weeks, with a second phase planned once the initial part of the agreement is met.
In exchange, between 990 and 1,650 Palestinian prisoners are expected to be released, contingent upon the fulfillment of the hostage release agreement.
In a parallel development, tensions surfaced in London where a pro-Palestinian rally resulted in the arrest of approximately 77 demonstrators.
The protesters, gathering in Whitehall, marched towards Trafalgar Square, at one point breaking through police barriers.
The protest was modified to a static rally by law enforcement, which curtailed plans for a march past notable locations including the BBC headquarters and a nearby synagogue.
Authorities reported that many of the demonstrators who breached conditions were detained, with charges ranging from public order offenses to violations related to the support of proscribed organizations.
One protester was seen atop a police car, displaying a Palestinian flag.
Amidst the international ceasefire discussions, Netanyahu highlighted Israel's sustained military efforts and strategic gains, including actions against Hamas leadership and entities such as Iran and Hezbollah.
He asserted that Israel has the backing of both U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and President Joe Biden to return to combat if necessary negotiations fail to progress.
In Gaza, prior to the ceasefire's commencement, Israeli airstrikes continued to target regions within the enclave, leading to additional casualties.
The Health Ministry in Gaza reported 23 fatalities, including a family of four resulting from the strikes.
Concurrently, Israeli defense systems intercepted projectiles believed to be launched by Houthi rebels from Yemen, aligning their actions with increased solidarity protests for the Palestinian cause.
The Metropolitan Police in London dispatched over 1,100 officers, including 200 from external forces, to manage the protest.
Senior police officials expressed concern over the deliberate breaches of protest conditions and indicated ongoing investigations with potential legal actions against identified offenders.
The protest was marked by the attendance of notable political figures such as former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.
Despite the disruptions, Jewish community organizations, like the Community Security Trust, expressed gratitude towards the police for maintaining peace during the Sabbath.
The ceasefire, if maintained, aims to bring respite to the Gaza Strip, which has witnessed extensive destruction, high casualties exceeding 46,000, and significant internal displacement since hostilities commenced in early October 2023.
