Protests have erupted in various parts of Israel, just two days before the anniversary of the Hamas attacks on southern Israel. Demonstrators took to the streets in Tel Aviv, Caesarea, Beersheba, Jerusalem, and other locations, demanding urgent action to rescue the hostages still held in Gaza.
Relatives of the hostages were seen pleading for a release deal amidst escalating conflict in the region. The Ayalon highway in Tel Aviv was reportedly blocked, and a demonstration outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's private residence in Caesarea took place.
The Families Forum, which organizes weekly rallies, had to cancel their main event due to security concerns, fearing potential missile strikes from Hezbollah in central Israel.
Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan is among the hostages, expressed frustration at the protest in Tel Aviv, blaming Netanyahu for the prolonged captivity of the hostages. Zangauker accused Netanyahu of prolonging the conflict for political gain.
Dani Elgarat, whose brother Itzik is also held captive, echoed similar sentiments, criticizing Netanyahu for turning the hostages into pawns in his personal political agenda.
Yifat Kalderon, a relative of one of the hostages, highlighted the stalled negotiations and the missed opportunities for a potential deal to secure the hostages' release.
At a rally in Carmei Gat, Liat Atzili Benin, a former hostage, acknowledged the complex emotions surrounding the anniversary of the attacks. She described a community united in the unwavering determination to bring back all the remaining hostages.
The atmosphere in Israel is tense, with emotions running high and a sense of helplessness prevailing among the families of the hostages. The demand for immediate action to secure the release of the captives remains a central focus of the protests.
