Thousands of Israelis took to the streets of Tel Aviv on Saturday, demanding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accept a ceasefire agreement with Hamas to bring home the remaining Israeli hostages in Gaza. The rally coincided with Hamas officials meeting with Egyptian and Qatari mediators in Cairo.
Relatives and supporters of the more than 130 hostages still in captivity expressed their urgency to bring them back. Natalie Eldor, a protester, emphasized the need to bring back all the hostages, whether alive or deceased, and called for a change in government to end the crisis.
The protests, held ahead of Yom HaShoah Holocaust Remembrance Day, highlighted the growing international pressure to end the seven-month-long war in Gaza. Families of the hostages, like Ora Rubinstein, expressed hope for the safe return of their loved ones, despite the grim reality that many may have already perished.
The deadly conflict began on October 7 when Hamas gunmen attacked Israeli communities near Gaza, resulting in the seizure of more than 250 individuals. The subsequent Israeli assault on Gaza led to a high death toll on both sides.
While Netanyahu’s government aims to destroy Hamas and secure the release of all hostages, there are conflicting pressures within the coalition. Nationalist religious parties advocate for continued military action, while efforts are underway to negotiate a ceasefire.
As the situation remains tense, the Israeli public continues to demand a resolution to the conflict and the safe return of all hostages.