Thousands of protesters rallied outside Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, demanding the release of hostages held in Gaza and calling for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s resignation. The demonstrations mark the largest protests Israel has seen since the war against Hamas began. Negotiations over an Israel-Hamas ceasefire and hostage deal have resumed in Cairo after reaching a stalemate earlier in the week.
Among the protesters were family members of the hostages being held in Gaza. Former Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid, the current opposition leader, emphasized the urgency of their plight. “The Israeli government is ignoring their existence,” Lapid declared, urging attention to the ongoing demonstrations and the protesters’ demands. Danny Elgarat, brother of one of the hostages, Itzhak Elgarat, echoed the sentiment: “Bibi, this is the end to the shady deals, the end to corruption. Bibi, this is the end to playing games with us. 177 days! Bibi — this is the end!”
Thousands more protesters waved flags and banners, demanding the safe return of their loved ones. One banner read, “Bring everyone home now. Without returning the hostages, Israel doesn’t have a justification to exist.” The emotional plea reflects the deep concern and frustration felt by families who have endured months of uncertainty.
Netanyahu’s leadership faces mounting pressure as the crisis continues. His handling of the war with Hamas and the hostage situation has drawn criticism both domestically and internationally. The successful rescue of two Israeli hostages has not shielded him from calls for accountability. As the protests persist, the question remains: Can Netanyahu weather this storm, or will he be forced to step down?
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