Israelis demonstrate demanding release of hostages

Thousands of Israelis demonstrated in Tel Aviv on Saturday, demanding the immediate release of approximately 50 hostages still held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip. 

This marks the first major mobilization after the ceasefire between Israel and Iran on June 24, which followed 12 days of intense military conflict.

Hostage Square in central Tel Aviv was filled with demonstrators holding flags and photos of those abducted during the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Among them were relatives of the captives who called for an end to the war and the return of their loved ones.

“We just need to get our people back,” an 80-year-old protester said, while former hostages and activists called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump to take initiatives.

According to Israeli authorities, 49 of the 251 abductees remain in Gaza, of whom 27 have been declared dead. Hamas also holds the body of an Israeli soldier from the 2014 war.

The Hostages’ Families Forum called for a new agreement to end the war in Gaza, similar to the one imposed by Washington in the recent Israel-Iran war.

Some protest placards appealed to President Trump to intervene, with messages such as “your Nobel Peace Prize awaits you,” while former hostage Liri Albag called on leaders to make “courageous decisions” to end the crisis.