Vast majority of Israelis back reaching a Gaza deal: Poll
Sixty-three percent of respondents want the Israeli government to close an agreement with Hamas over a truce and the return of captives in Gaza, according to a poll by Israeli broadcaster Channel 12.
About a quarter of the respondents said they are undecided on the issue, while 12 percent stressed they oppose a deal, a report by the channel said.
Gaza ceasefire talks, which were continuing in Doha, paused on Friday with negotiators to meet again next week to seek an agreement.
Israeli team stays in Doha following ceasefire talks
Following the two-day ceasefire talks in Doha, there is still an Israeli technical team on the ground trying to iron out details and bridge remaining gaps.
We also hear that in the coming days a technical team will travel to Cairo, where mediators said another meeting will take place next week. The hopes are that a final agreement can be reached, either before that meeting or when that meeting occurs.
Going into such high-stakes diplomacy, there had initially been low expectations. But there now seems to be forward momentum. The fact that there is a technical team still on the ground here is certainly a positive step.
We must remember though, we still need to hear from the parties – from Israel and Hamas – about what exactly is being presented to them, what exactly they are willing to do. But as of now, mediators seem to indicate that [the talks] have exceeded their expectations.
Protests held outside homes of several Israeli ministers: Report
Israeli newspaper Haaretz reports that dozens of Israelis have gathered outside houses of ministers and public officials across the country, protesting against the government and calling for a deal to secure the release of the captives held in Gaza.
The newspaper reports that some of the protesters, some blindfolded and others holding signs, were scattered along Likud politician Yuli Edelstein’s route as he was making his way to his synagogue.
Israeli president debates protesters outside home, suggests Ben-Gvir should be removed
A group of antigovernment protesters have gathered outside the home of Isaac Herzog, accusing him of failing his constituents, reports the Ynet news site.
The Israeli president told the protesters he was doing his best to bring the country together. But when asked if he supported unity with Kahanists – a reference to a far-right Zionist ideology linked to National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir – Herzog said: “On the contrary, Kahanism should certainly be removed. Kahanism should be removed from the government,” according to Ynet.
