Demonstrators in Israel demand acceptance of peace deal: 'Biden is our only hope'

(Patria) - Thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv on Saturday demanding the acceptance of a ceasefire
and hostage release deal put forward by US President Joe Biden, while many fear that Prime Minister Netanyahu will reject the deal, AFP reports.

Israeli and American flags dotted the crowd in the central square, which they named Hostages Square, with banners calling: “Bring them home!” “Biden is our only hope,” demonstrator Abigail Zur (34) told AFP.

The US President said on Friday that Israel is offering a new three-phase roadmap towards a full ceasefire, including the release of hostages held by Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip.

Demonstrators told AFP they were concerned that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would abandon the deal. “Biden cares more about our hostages than Netanyahu,” said a demonstrator in her early fifties who gave her name only as Karen, while others chanted: “Now, now.”

Demonstrators carried a large banner that read: “Biden, save them from Netanyahu.”

Netanyahu is more concerned about his political future, said demonstrator Diti Kapuano (46).

“I hope Biden will somehow exert enough pressure for the government and Netanyahu to accept the deal,” she said.

Netanyahu insisted on Saturday that the plan presented by Biden does not rule out fighting until Hamas's ability to govern Gaza and pose a threat to Israel is destroyed. Hamas said it views the plan “positively.”