Father of Israeli hostage begins hunger strike outside Netanyahu’s residence

20 Jan 2024 • 7:40 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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Relatives of Israeli hostages gathered outside the private residence of prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Caesarea on Saturday 20 January, demanding a deal to release those kidnapped by Hamas - after over 100 days of captivity in Gaza.

The protesters plan to spend the night in tents outside Mr Netanyahu’s house to protest the government’s lack of visible progress on a new hostage deal.

Among the protesters is Eli Shtivi, whose 28-year-old son Idan has been held in Gaza since he was kidnapped from the Supernova music festival on 7 October.

Mr Shtivi began a hunger strike on Friday and he says he will eat only a quarter of a pita bread each day, in keeping with the reported diet of hostages held in Gaza.