Tel Aviv: Yotam Cohen, the brother of captive Israeli soldier Nimrod Cohen, accused his government on Saturday of violating a ceasefire and hostage release agreement with Hamas.
According to Anadolu Agency, Cohen made these allegations during a protest outside the military’s Kirya headquarters in Tel Aviv, where thousands gathered.
Cohen expressed that “The State of Israel is betraying the hostages,” specifically pointing fingers at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer. He accused them of trying to convince US President Donald Trump that most hostages are dead, rendering further negotiations unnecessary.
Cohen’s statements coincided with reports of Trump opening direct talks with Hamas, initially revealed by Axios and later confirmed by the White House. He suggested that foreign leaders “have already understood that Israel is not so interested in releasing its hostages.”
The hostage deal has stalled as Israel refuses to withdraw from Gaza, a condition required for the second phase of the three-phase agreement, which is crucial for the release of Nimrod Cohen. This withdrawal is strongly opposed by Netanyahu’s far-right coalition partners.
Yotam Cohen claimed that Israel has failed to meet crucial terms of the agreement, such as initiating the second phase of negotiations and withdrawing from the Philadelphi Corridor along the Gaza-Egypt border, a move that was supposed to be completed by the end of the first phase.
“We are on day 50 of the deal, and Israel is violating the agreement,” Cohen stated, condemning politicians advocating for renewed military attacks. He referenced a New York Times report, highlighting that military pressure has resulted in the deaths of more than 40 hostages, which equates to one in six hostages.
Cohen expressed hope that Netanyahu and Dermer’s “Axis of Evil” would be countered by efforts from released hostages, eight of whom met with Trump in Washington this week. This meeting included White House Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Israeli American billionaire Miriam Adelson, a significant Republican donor.
Following Cohen’s speech, Yifat Calderon, cousin of freed hostage Ofer Calderon, announced that the families of the hostages plan to camp outside military headquarters overnight in protest. The demonstration, named “Operation Kirya Cordon,” will see activists positioned outside each gate of the military base, with organizers urging demonstrators to respect the security forces on duty.