Thousands rally in Israel to demand release of remaining Gaza hostages
Demonstrators urge government action after ceasefire with Iran raises hopes for resolution to conflict and hostage return.
Thousands of protesters gathered in central Tel Aviv on Saturday, calling for the Israeli government to secure the release of the 49 hostages still being held in Gaza.
The rally marked the first such demonstration since Israel agreed to a ceasefire with Iran on June 24 following a 12-day conflict, which has sparked hopes that the truce may help bring an end to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and facilitate the return of the hostages.The protests took place despite emergency restrictions imposed during the recent war with Iran, which had previously prohibited weekly rallies.
Demonstrators filled 'Hostages Square' in Tel Aviv, waving Israeli flags and displaying placards featuring photographs of Israelis captured by Palestinian militants during Hamas's October 7, 2023 assault on Israel.
This attack initiated a brutal military response from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who vowed to dismantle Hamas and rescue the hostages.Twenty months after the initial attack, only 49 hostages remain in Gaza, with 27 reportedly deceased according to the Israeli military.
This has intensified pressure on Netanyahu's administration to find a resolution.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which represents the relatives of the captives, called for an end to the conflict in Gaza similar to the ceasefire reached with Iran, urging that a deal should be brokered to bring all hostages home.Some protesters also called upon US President Donald Trump to intervene and secure a ceasefire in Gaza, believing his support for Israel could help facilitate peace.
One demonstrator even went so far as to suggest Trump may be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize if he helps end the crisis in Gaza.
Liri Albag, a previously held hostage, addressed the crowd at the rally, urging Netanyahu and Trump to 'make the brave decision' to conclude the conflict and return the hostages.The situation remains tense, with ongoing tensions and unresolved conflicts in the region.
However, this latest demonstration highlights the urgency of finding a peaceful resolution and the emotional toll taken on the families affected by the prolonged captivity of their loved ones.
The rally marked the first such demonstration since Israel agreed to a ceasefire with Iran on June 24 following a 12-day conflict, which has sparked hopes that the truce may help bring an end to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and facilitate the return of the hostages.The protests took place despite emergency restrictions imposed during the recent war with Iran, which had previously prohibited weekly rallies.
Demonstrators filled 'Hostages Square' in Tel Aviv, waving Israeli flags and displaying placards featuring photographs of Israelis captured by Palestinian militants during Hamas's October 7, 2023 assault on Israel.
This attack initiated a brutal military response from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who vowed to dismantle Hamas and rescue the hostages.Twenty months after the initial attack, only 49 hostages remain in Gaza, with 27 reportedly deceased according to the Israeli military.
This has intensified pressure on Netanyahu's administration to find a resolution.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which represents the relatives of the captives, called for an end to the conflict in Gaza similar to the ceasefire reached with Iran, urging that a deal should be brokered to bring all hostages home.Some protesters also called upon US President Donald Trump to intervene and secure a ceasefire in Gaza, believing his support for Israel could help facilitate peace.
One demonstrator even went so far as to suggest Trump may be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize if he helps end the crisis in Gaza.
Liri Albag, a previously held hostage, addressed the crowd at the rally, urging Netanyahu and Trump to 'make the brave decision' to conclude the conflict and return the hostages.The situation remains tense, with ongoing tensions and unresolved conflicts in the region.
However, this latest demonstration highlights the urgency of finding a peaceful resolution and the emotional toll taken on the families affected by the prolonged captivity of their loved ones.
