Massive protests erupted across Israel on Sunday as tens of thousands of demonstrators demanded an immediate deal for the release of hostages held by Hamas. The protests were ignited by the Israeli military’s announcement that it had recovered the bodies of six hostages from a tunnel in Rafah, Gaza, which deepened the public’s grief and anger.
In Jerusalem, protesters gathered outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, expressing their outrage and sorrow over the deaths. Many carried photos of the victims, chanting, “We demand a deal now!” Family members of the hostages voiced their frustration, accusing Netanyahu of prioritizing his political agenda over the lives of their loved ones.
In Tel Aviv, large crowds took to the streets, blocking major highways and gathering outside military headquarters. Demonstrators lit bonfires and clashed with police, who responded with water cannons and stun grenades to disperse the crowds. Reports indicated that 29 people were arrested in Tel Aviv, with additional arrests in Jerusalem and Haifa.
These protests highlight the growing frustration among the families of the hostages, who have been advocating for a prisoner exchange deal for months. They accuse Netanyahu of sacrificing their loved ones for political gain, and the recent confirmation of the hostages’ deaths has pushed their anger to a breaking point. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, representing some of these relatives, called for a nationwide halt to pressure the government into action.
Arnon Bar-David, chairman of Israel’s largest labor union, Histadrut, announced a general strike set to begin Monday, emphasizing the urgency of reaching a resolution. “We are receiving body bags instead of a resolution,” Bar-David stated, underlining the dire need for immediate action.
Currently, over 100 hostages are believed to still be held by Hamas in Gaza. The Israeli government, under mounting pressure from the public and opposition leaders, is facing increased scrutiny over its handling of negotiations for their release.
Despite ongoing mediation efforts by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt, progress has stalled due to Netanyahu’s refusal to meet Hamas’ demands.
The situation remains tense, with many Israelis demanding that the government prioritize the safe return of the hostages over military objectives.
