Tens of thousands of people gathered in Tel Aviv and other Israeli cities on Saturday, calling for a resolution to secure the release of approximately 100 hostages held by Hamas.
At the Tel Aviv rally, a relative of a hostage who was killed last week expressed anguish, stating, “We must not sacrifice any more lives; we must not sacrifice them [the remaining hostages].” The Israeli Health Ministry reported that Carmel Gat, another woman, and four men were found shot at close range in a Gaza tunnel last Sunday.
The relative blamed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the loss, arguing that the six would still be alive if Netanyahu had agreed to a deal.
Currently, 101 hostages are reportedly held by Hamas, though the status of many remains uncertain. Indirect negotiations mediated by the US, Egypt, and Qatar have been stalled for months. Efforts are aimed at reaching a deal that could end the ongoing conflict, which includes the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.
Critics accuse Netanyahu of impeding the negotiations by imposing excessive demands, such as permanently stationing Israeli troops at strategic locations in Gaza. Netanyahu’s coalition, which includes far-right parties opposed to any concessions, faces threats of collapse if a deal is made.
Protests also took place in Jerusalem, Haifa, Beersheba, Nahariya, and Caesarea, reflecting widespread public frustration and calls for action.
