Tens of thousands of Israelis demonstrated in Tel Aviv and other cities on Saturday, calling for the government to negotiate the release of around 100 hostages held by Hamas.
The protests come amid stalled negotiations mediated by the US, Egypt, and Qatar, which seek to end the ongoing Gaza conflict.
The demonstrations were sparked by the recent deaths of six hostages, including Carmel Gat, whose body was found in a Gaza tunnel last week. “The six would be here with us today if Netanyahuhad agreed to a deal,” said a relative at the Tel Aviv rally, expressing anger and sorrow.
On October 7 last year, Hamas militants and other extremist Palestinian groups invaded southern Israel, killing over 1,200 people and abducting about 250 others in an attack that ignited the current Gaza war. Israel claims that 101 hostages are still held, though the status of many remains uncertain.
Negotiators are working towards a deal that would include an Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza and the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails. However, talks have been deadlocked for months, with families of the hostages growing increasingly desperate.
Critics accuse Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of obstructing an agreement by demanding a permanent Israeli military presence in Gaza. Netanyahu’s far-right coalition partners oppose any concessions to Hamas and have threatened to collapse the government if such a deal is made.
Demonstrations were also held in Jerusalem, Haifa, Beersheba, Nahariya, and Caesarea, reflecting widespread public frustration. Families of the hostages urged the government to act swiftly, fearing further loss of life.
With negotiations at an impasse, pressure is mounting on Netanyahu to secure the hostages’ release and bring an end to the conflict that has claimed thousands of lives.
