Thousands of people gathered in Tel Aviv on Saturday night to show their support for the decision to release the Israeli hostages held by Hamas, an Islamist militant group. The protesters voiced their criticisms of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and called for new elections. Banners with messages such as “Negotiate now, resign later” were displayed during the demonstration.
The father of one of the hostages expressed his disappointment in the government’s prioritization of personal survival over the safe return of the hostages. He urged the government to agree to a ceasefire in exchange for the release of the hostages. Israeli Khan television reported that Israel is currently not sending a negotiating team to Cairo. They will only send a delegation once Hamas responds to the proposed agreement.
The brother of a hostage warned that the Israeli offensive in Rafah could be a “death sentence” for the hostages. He criticized Netanyahu, stating that he cannot continue to lead the country with the blood of 132 hostages on his hands. Opposition leader Yair Lapid called on the government to send a negotiating team to Cairo and demand an agreement. The protesters made it clear that they will continue to push for the safe return of the hostages through peaceful demonstrations and calls for government action.