MK Yair Lapid has urged United States President Donald Trump to support a ceasefire deal with Hamas that would secure the release of all hostages and end the war, even if it means Hamas remains in power. Lapid's call comes after mass protests and a nationwide strike in Israel, which were promoted as apolitical demonstrations in support of the hostages. However, Avishai David, father of a hostage, criticized the protests, claiming they are being used to push for the government's removal rather than focusing solely on the hostages' return. He also expressed dismay over the use of his son's image for political purposes without the family's consent. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu argued that calls to end the war without defeating Hamas only strengthen the militant group and risk further conflict.