Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister, announced on live television that Israel reserves the right to resume military operations against Hamas, even as a ceasefire agreement between the two sides is set to take effect on Sunday morning. The truce, mediated by Qatar and the United States, aims to facilitate the release of hostages and detainees.
Netanyahu emphasised that the ceasefire is “temporary” and contingent on receiving the names of the first three hostages among the 33 set to be freed by Hamas. He warned, “If we must return to fighting, we will do that in new, forceful ways.” According to Netanyahu, US Presidents-elect Donald Trump and Joe Biden have both expressed full support for Israel’s right to resume combat if negotiations are deemed ineffective.
Netanyahu detailed recent military achievements, including the elimination of senior Hamas leaders and significant setbacks for Iran and Hezbollah, claiming that these efforts have left Hamas “completely isolated.”
Tensions escalate in london protests
In the UK, a pro-Palestinian rally in Westminster turned chaotic, leading to the arrest of at least 77 protesters. Demonstrators initially gathered in Whitehall for a Palestine Solidarity Campaign rally, calling for an end to the conflict in Gaza. However, tensions flared when protesters defied police orders and attempted to march towards Trafalgar Square.
Police reported that a group broke through a line of officers, resulting in arrests for public order offences and breaching protest restrictions. A masked protester was seen standing atop a police car waving a Palestinian flag. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan confirmed that over 1,100 officers were deployed, including 200 from other forces, to manage the rally.
Commander Adam Slonecki criticised the organisers for breaching agreed conditions and inciting the crowd to march towards the BBC headquarters at Portland Place. Slonecki described the actions as a “coordinated breach” and assured investigations were underway, supported by body camera footage, CCTV, and social media evidence.
Senior Conservative MP Bob Blackman called for strict legal action against those who defy police orders, particularly those who gather near synagogues. Meanwhile, the Community Security Trust praised the Metropolitan Police for ensuring Jewish worshippers could attend Shabbat services peacefully.
Ceasefire and hostage negotiations
Under the terms of the ceasefire, 33 of the 98 hostages held by Hamas are expected to be released over six weeks. In exchange, Israel will free between 990 and 1,650 Palestinian detainees, depending on the number of hostages released. However, concerns remain high, as Israeli airstrikes continued on Saturday, with Gaza’s Health Ministry reporting 23 deaths in the last 24 hours.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is dire, with over 46,000 fatalities reported and most of the territory’s 2.3 million residents displaced. Palestinians question the truce’s efficacy, with Abdallah Al-Aqad, who lost family members in recent airstrikes, asking, “What is this truce that kills us hours before it begins?”
Broader regional impact
The conflict’s regional implications are growing. Sirens sounded across southern and central Israel on Saturday as projectiles launched by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen were intercepted by Israeli forces. The Houthis have escalated attacks in recent weeks, citing solidarity with Gaza.
Divisive reactions to protests
The Palestine Solidarity Campaign condemned the Metropolitan Police’s restrictions as “repressive,” while Jewish advocacy groups argued that pro-Palestinian marches posed security risks. The Campaign Against Antisemitism criticised the delayed police response, describing the latest restrictions as “tokenistic.”
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper expressed support for police efforts, stating, “Everyone should be able to worship in peace.” The clashes come as the UK grapples with heightened tensions stemming from the Middle East conflict.
The ceasefire’s success will be pivotal in determining whether fighting subsides or Israel resumes military operations, further deepening the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
