Israel police arrest 2 protesters demanding prisoner swap deal with Palestinians

Israeli police intervene the demonstrators from marching as a group of Israeli demonstrators gather to protest Israel’s ongoing attacks on the Gaza, demanding a ceasefire and a prisoner swap agreement in West Jerusalem [Mostafa Alkharouf – Anadolu Agency]

Israeli police today arrested two women protesters in West Jerusalem demanding a deal with Palestinians to ensure the release of captives held in Gaza.

“Hostages deal and ceasefire now,” reads a banner waved by protesters during a rally held outside the home of Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, Haaretz newspaper reported.

Protesters called for an immediate ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement with Palestinians.

Last week, Israeli officials reported progress in indirect negotiations to reach a deal with Hamas.

Israel, which according to prisoners’ groups has more than 10,000 Palestinians in its prisons, estimates that there are around 100 Israeli captives in Gaza. Hamas has said that 33 were killed in indiscriminate Israeli air strikes in Gaza.

Mediation efforts led by the US, Egypt and Qatar to reach a ceasefire have so far failed due to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s refusal to halt the war on Gaza.

READ: UNRWA chief says Israel has broken all rules of war in Gaza

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