Mon Mar 03 17:46:48 UTC 2025: ## Netanyahu Faces Mounting Pressure Over Gaza Ceasefire Stalemate

**JERUSALEM** – Protests erupted outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence Sunday night, fueled by anger over the stalled Gaza ceasefire and the plight of Israeli captives held in Gaza. While the government claims negotiations for the second phase of a January agreement are ongoing, Israel’s unilateral extension of the first phase and subsequent blockade of humanitarian aid have sparked outrage.

The protesters, primarily families of the captives, focused their ire on Netanyahu’s handling of the situation, blaming him for the impasse. They rejected claims by cabinet members, including Netanyahu, that a deal is impossible while Hamas remains in power, chanting slogans like “Hostages immediately, Hamas afterwards.”

The situation is further complicated by the emergence of a purported “Witkoff Plan,” reportedly involving a phased release of the captives, which seems to have undermined the original agreement. This plan, neither confirmed by the US nor its envoy Steve Witkoff, has been used as justification for reinstating the Gaza blockade, causing food prices to soar. UNICEF warned of devastating consequences for children in Gaza, a warning echoed by legal experts who highlighted the illegality of collective punishment under the Geneva Conventions.

Adding to the tension, the Israeli government is considering calling up 400,000 reserve soldiers, a move interpreted by some as a prelude to renewed conflict. While public anger towards Netanyahu isn’t yet widespread, analysts warn it could escalate if the stalemate continues, particularly given the growing pressure from families of the captives who are highly critical of the Prime Minister’s handling of the situation.

Netanyahu’s commitment to the ceasefire has been questioned since its inception. Reports suggest he may have intentionally created the current situation to appease critics and consolidate his political position. Analysts believe Netanyahu’s actions, marked by ambiguity and strategic delays, are calculated moves intended to maintain control, even if such actions undermine efforts to secure the release of the hostages and risk a resumption of hostilities. The future hinges on the trajectory of negotiations and the potential for further escalation.

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