Protesters Accusing Israel Government Of ‘Abandoning Hostages’ Scuffle With Police; Arrests Reported

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News

JERUSALEM (Worthy News) – Protesters chanting “We won’t allow the abandonment of the hostages” and “their time is running out, a deal is on the table” scuffled with police near the residence of Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem and at least two arrests were reported.

Wednesday’s rally came hours after Hamas published a video of Israeli-American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, the first proof that he survived being badly wounded during his capture on October 7.

Goldberg-Polin, then 23, was kidnapped from the Nova music festival during Hamas’ attacks on Israel when more than 1,200 people died and hundreds were taken hostage.

He was shown in the undated video with part of his left arm missing several inches above the hand.

“Another video of a hostage has been published – as if Hamas is the one running the show – as if there is no government. We have no mother and father. There’s no responsibility; it’s thrown aside. Come now to Aza Street, in front of the Prime Minister’s Residence, to demand an end to this disaster already,” said groups organizing the protest.

One unidentified friend of Goldberg-Polin’s told The Jerusalem Post newspaper that “It’s a disgrace that he’s still [in Gaza] and the country is silent.”

Police said they were working to keep the peace, noting that some protesters lit fires, set off fireworks, and overturned trash cans.

TWO DETAINED

Two of the protesters were arrested by police for starting a fire and disorderly conduct, officials said.

“Israel Police will allow the freedom of protest according to the law, but will act with the tools and powers at our disposal against rioters and violent rioters, whatever they may be, and all those who harm or attempt to harm public peace and security,” police added.

Reporters also noticed that demonstrators blocked the road and lit a bonfire in the street while fireworks and flares were launched in the area.

A large number of police officers were present at the scene amid mounting frustration about what critics view as Prime Minister Netanyahu’s inability to rescue the remaining hostages.

Fear in Israel has been growing that most of the 133 hostages still held by Hamas since October 7 have died.

Israeli intelligence agency Shin Bet has denied reports that only 40 hostages are still alive, saying it was the “personal opinion” of the Britain-based Daily Mail newspaper’s writer.

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