Thousands of protesters took to the streets across Israel on Saturday, marching toward Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem. The demonstrators urged the government to strike a prisoner exchange deal with Hamas to secure the release of hostages still held in Gaza.
Families Warn Against Gaza City Assault
The protest came just hours after the families of Israeli captives sent a stark warning to Israel’s Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. They cautioned that plans to occupy Gaza City “will not bring back the hostages but will kill them.”
According to Channel 12, the march began when families of hostages and their supporters gathered at the Chords Bridge in Jerusalem. From there, they launched a long walk toward Netanyahu’s home, chanting for action and carrying signs demanding the safe return of the captives.
Calls for a Prisoner Exchange Deal
The protesters made it clear they want negotiations, not escalation.
“Netanyahu must end this nightmare and bring all the hostages back home,” said Vicky Cohen, whose son Nimrod is among those held in Gaza.
Demonstrators held placards calling for a deal, an end to the war, and the safe return of captives. Similar rallies were held across the country, with Yedioth Ahronoth reporting that thousands gathered at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv.
Protests Spread Across Israel
Around 1,000 people also demonstrated at Karkur Junction in Haifa, demanding immediate action. The protests reflect growing frustration as the war continues with no resolution in sight.
On October 7, 2023, Hamas fighters carried out a cross-border attack, taking about 250 hostages back to Gaza. Tel Aviv estimates that nearly half of them remain captive, including at least 20 individuals who are confirmed to be alive.
Gaza War Enters Day 700
Friday marked day 700 of the Israel-Hamas war. Israeli military operations have killed at least 64,300 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials. The relentless bombing has devastated the enclave, leaving it on the brink of famine and sparking a severe humanitarian crisis.
International Legal Pressure on Israel
The conflict has also drawn international legal scrutiny. In November 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Meanwhile, South Africa has brought a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), alleging that its military campaign in Gaza amounts to genocide.
As the war rages on, pressure is mounting both domestically and globally for Israel to negotiate a deal that could bring the hostages home and halt further bloodshed.