Thousands of Israelis took to the streets on Saturday in Tel Aviv and other cities, demanding that the government secure the release of hostages still held in Gaza.
“The window of opportunity to bring home all 50 hostages – living and dead – is open now, and it won’t be for long,” said Eli Sharabi at the main rally in Tel Aviv, as reported by Haaretz.
Sharabi was abducted during Hamas’ 7 October 2023 attacks and held in Gaza for 16 months. Upon his release in February, he learned his wife and two daughters had been killed during the attacks. His brother Yossi’s body remains in Gaza.
Addressing the government, Sharabi said: “You were elected to serve this people with humility and modesty. It is arrogance that brought disaster upon us – we must not repeat these mistakes.”
Official figures show that 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with at least 20 believed alive.
Currently, indirect talks between Israel and Hamas are ongoing in Doha over a proposed 60-day ceasefire that would see the release of 10 living hostages and several bodies. However, negotiations have stalled, with both sides blaming each other.
Protesters accuse Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government of deliberately delaying progress to protect his political position.
