Protests Erupt Following Murder of Six Hostages

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Protests Erupt Following Murder of Six Hostages
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Protests Erupt Following Murder of Six Hostages

Major protests erupted across several Israeli cities, including Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, after the bodies of six hostages, including American citizen Hersh Goldberg-Polin, were found murdered in Gaza by Hamas. Fox News reported President Biden and Vice President Harris are set to meet with the U.S. hostage deal negotiating team to discuss efforts to secure the release of the remaining 101 hostages, 66 of whom are believed to be alive, and four who are American citizens.

The protests, estimated to involve up to 500,000 people, reflect growing frustration with Prime Minister Netanyahu’s failure to secure a ceasefire. Israel’s largest labor union, Histadrut, announced a one-day strike in response to the situation. Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed deep shock over the murders, vowing to “settle accounts” with Hamas.

Late on Monday, Fox News reported President Biden’s response:

Biden had taken questions from the press earlier Monday before heading into the Situation Room. On the South Lawn of the White House, where Biden disembarked from Marine One upon returning from his vacation home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, one reporter asked, "Mr. President, do you think it’s time for Prime Minister Netanyahu to do more on this issue? Do you think he is doing enough?

"No," the president responded flatly. 

Asked what makes him think this deal will be successful in a way that the other proposals were not, Biden said earlier Monday, "Hope springs eternal." The president said "we're very close" to being able to present a final hostage deal. He told reporters he was headed into a national security meeting and would be going to Pittsburgh later in the day. 

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