Massive Protests Sweep Israel Demanding Hostage Deal as Netanyahu Rejects Current Ceasefire Terms

Massive demonstrations swept across Israel on Tuesday, with hundreds of thousands of people taking to the streets to demand that the government secure a deal for the release of 50 hostages still held by Hamas and other groups in Gaza.

The day of action, organized by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, saw major highways blocked, marches to ministerial residences, and protests outside the Prime Minister’s Office. The largest gathering occurred in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, drawing an estimated 350,000 participants.

The protests coincided with a security cabinet meeting where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly dismissed the current partial ceasefire proposal. According to Hebrew media, Netanyahu stated he would only discuss a comprehensive framework and confirmed plans to proceed with an expanded operation to capture Gaza City, aiming to pressure Hamas into accepting his conditions.

Family members of the captives delivered emotional appeals, expressing profound distrust in the Prime Minister and urging immediate action. Ofir Braslavski, father of hostage Rom Braslavski, highlighted his son’s deteriorating condition and criticized the government’s perceived inaction. Noam Peri, whose father was killed in captivity, appealed to international leaders to help end the war and bring the remaining hostages home.

Following these large-scale protests, relatives of the hostages are reportedly planning to escalate their tactics, intending to directly confront politicians by protesting daily outside their homes and disrupting government meetings, according to Channel 12.

Currently, 50 hostages remain in Gaza, including 49 abducted on October 7, 2023. This number includes the bodies of at least 28 confirmed dead by the IDF. The ongoing calls for their return underscore the deep public concern and pressure on the Israeli government.

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