Mass protests erupt across Israel demanding immediate release of hostages held by Hamas

TEL AVIV, Israel — On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched an unprecedented attack from Gaza into Israel, resulting in 1,200 deaths. That same day, Hamas kidnapped 251 individuals from Israel. Since then, the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza has caused a severe humanitarian crises, leaving thousands of Palestinians killed and displaced. During a truce in November, Hamas released 105 civilians.

However, people still believe that about 120 hostages remain in Gaza, and the IDF says 41 of them have died. In response to these events, citizens in Israel began mass protests, demanding the immediate release of the remaining hostages. Family members of the hostages make up a large portion of these protestors.

Dozens of supporters, along with the families of the hostages, staged a tableau at Habima Square in Tel Aviv. They painted their hands red to symbolize the government’s failure to make a deal and free the hostages, portraying the government as having blood on their hands.

Tens of thousands of protesters gathered on Democracy Square in Tel Aviv, their voices echoing through the streets as they rallied for the release of hostages.

Thousands of protesters demanded a ceasefire deal to secure the release of their loved ones from captivity amidst the Gaza war. The conflict has claimed thousands of Palestinian lives and triggered a severe humanitarian crisis.

Yoram Metzger, an 80-year-old man and the father-in-law of Ayala Metzger, is one of the hostages that Hamas currently holds captive. In a desperate plea for his release, Yoram Metzger protested on the streets.

These families, burdened with sorrow, gathered to rally, holding signs and pictures of their loved ones.

Several hostages still missing, some presumed dead

The families of hostages held a banner, expressing their frustration and emotion after receiving no information about whether their loved ones are alive or dead.

Families of the hostages and supporters across Gordon Beach in Tel Aviv formed a human chain. It stretched from Hof Habonim to Rishon Lezion beach. They aimed to increase pressure on the government to strike a deal for the release of the hostages.

Since the beginning of the war last October, protesters in Israel have been demonstrating weekly. The largest protests coincide with renewed fighting in Gaza, where Israeli troops have advanced, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

Many protesters are demanding early elections and criticizing Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government. They accuse the government of totally failing to bring back their loved ones.

All photos courtesy of Voice of Liberty, Israel