In the past 29 minutes, from 3:36 AM to 4:06 AM UTC on October 12th, 2025, social media commentary highlighted ongoing public discontent with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's war strategy in Gaza and his perceived failure to achieve a "total victory" or secure the release of hostages. This sentiment was echoed by Dr. Habis Al-Sharouf, Director of the Palestine Institute for National Security, who stated that Hamas lacks a viable future narrative after two years of devastation in Gaza and refuses to acknowledge its mistakes. During this period, accounts also described White House Special Envoy Steve Witkoff facing audible booing in Tel Aviv when attempting to praise Prime Minister Netanyahu. According to social media observations, Witkoff had difficulty completing his remarks due to the negative reception, underscoring widespread public contempt for Netanyahu's handling of the conflict and hostage situation. Critics argue that Netanyahu's strategy has prolonged suffering and stalled meaningful options for accelerating hostage releases. Previous reports from the preceding hour (October 12th, 2:36 AM - 3:36 AM UTC) showed footage of extensive destruction in residential areas and infrastructure in Gaza City, documented by activist Hamza Al-Masri. These reports also noted the negative reaction to Netanyahu's mention during Witkoff's speech in Tel Aviv. Further context from earlier reports indicated that the release of 48 hostages was previously scheduled to commence Monday morning. Captivity survivor Amit Soussana had also spoken in Tel Aviv on the morning of October 12th, expressing hope for an upcoming hostage release and contrasting the current rain with her experience in captivity. The U.S. Army was reportedly establishing a military headquarters in Israel to monitor the Gaza ceasefire and the "Trump program."
