Tens of thousands of Israelis took to the streets on Saturday night, urging their government to agree to a ceasefire deal for the release of hostages held by terror groups in Gaza. This mass mobilization follows the grim discovery by security services of the bodies of two hostages from the Strip, just a day prior.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet announced on Friday that they had recovered the body of Ilan Weiss and the remains of another hostage, later identified as Idan Shtivi. Both were victims of Hamas’s violent assault on October 7, 2023, in southern Israel.
Families Demand Ceasefire Over Military Action
Marking the somber anniversary of the murder of six hostages by Hamas as Israeli troops approached last year, families of the captives are pressing the government to halt its plans to seize Gaza City. They argue that military aggression only increases the danger to those still held captive.
Before the main rallies in Tel Aviv, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum issued a statement: “As plans move forward to conquer Gaza City, a hostage deal remains stalled at the negotiating table – serving as a painful reminder of last year’s lesson: military pressure kills hostages.” This statement evokes the tragic deaths of Alexander Lobanov, Carmel Gat, Ori Danino, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Eden Yerushalmi, and Almog Sarusi, all killed by their captors.
Government’s Inaction Fuels Public Outcry
The protests were further fueled by reports from Channel 12 that the upcoming security cabinet meeting would not address a partial ceasefire deal proposed by Hamas weeks ago. Despite pressure from security chiefs, who reportedly plan to present a united front in favor of the deal, the government has yet to formally discuss it.
The proposed agreement includes the release of 10 hostages and the bodies of 18 slain captives over a 60-day truce, during which further negotiations would occur. The government’s reluctance to engage with this proposal, nearly identical to an earlier offer approved by Jerusalem, has drawn sharp criticism.
“This is further proof that the government is turning to perpetual war and sacrificing the hostages, completely against the will of the people,” stated the Hostages Families Forum.
Voices from the Protest
Outside the IDF headquarters in Tel Aviv, Itzik Horn, father of Hamas hostage Eitan Horn, condemned the government as “deranged,” accusing it of gambling with the lives of hostages and soldiers alike. “Sitting in the government and cabinet are a bunch of deranged people that every citizen of Israel needs to ask whether these people are worthy of making decisions about their fate,” he declared.
Similarly, Einav Zangauker, mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, directly addressed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, threatening to hold him accountable if her son is killed. “We keep having to deal with lying spin from Netanyahu,” she said. “If Matan comes back in a body bag, it won’t only be Matan and me who pay the price.”
International Appeals and Broader Implications
At Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, Gil Dickmann, cousin of slain hostage Carmel Gat, urged the crowd to rally in Jerusalem to demand a ceasefire. He also appealed to U.S. President Donald Trump to pressure Israel into signing a deal. “Don’t let Bibi fool you like he fooled president Biden, save these hostages, Mr. President, like you saved so many others,” Dickmann implored.
Tuval Haim, brother of Yotam Haim, who was mistakenly killed by IDF troops, criticized the state’s failure to protect hostages. “How can it be that ministers take pride in thwarting deals, while hostages are being murdered in tunnels?” he questioned.
Meanwhile, Moshe Or, brother of hostage Avinatan Or, highlighted the urgency of a comprehensive deal. “What we haven’t achieved in two years of war, we most likely won’t achieve in years to come,” he said, emphasizing the daily risks faced by hostages.
Protests Spread to Jerusalem
In Jerusalem, hundreds marched towards the U.S. Embassy, urging Trump to advocate for a ceasefire. Demonstrators also gathered near the Prime Minister’s Residence, blocking roads and clashing with police. The Hostages Families Forum plans to continue their protests, focusing on the homes and offices of top officials to push for a resolution.
Current Hostage Situation
As of now, terror groups in Gaza hold 48 hostages, including 47 of the 251 abducted on October 7, 2023. The bodies of at least 26 confirmed dead are among them, with 20 believed to be alive and serious concerns for two others. Hamas also retains the body of an IDF soldier killed in 2014.
In previous ceasefires, Hamas released 30 hostages and the bodies of eight slain captives. Israel, in turn, freed around 2,000 jailed Palestinian terrorists and suspects. The ongoing conflict and hostage situation underscore the complex and volatile dynamics at play, with families and citizens demanding urgent action to prevent further loss of life.
