Israelis protest for release of remaining hostages in Gaza

Thousands of Israelis once again took to the streets in mass demonstrations, demanding that the government take immediate action to secure the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip.

The biggest rally took place near the complex of government buildings in eastern Tel Aviv, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

The current wave of protests is timed to mark the first anniversary of the only humanitarian pause to date, which in November 2023 allowed the release of a significant number of hostages from the Gaza Strip. This is the first protest since the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon, which led to the lifting of many restrictions across most areas of the country, including those prohibiting large gatherings.

Activists drew parallels between the events in Lebanon and Gaza, noting that it was precisely negotiations and a temporary suspension of hostilities that enabled the release of some hostages a year ago. This was highlighted by one of the active participants in the protest movement, Einav Zangauker, whose son, Matan, is still being held in Gaza.

"This week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signed an agreement to end the war in Lebanon. Netanyahu signs a deal for the north but prevents a deal to end the war in the south. In Lebanon, [the Shiite organisation] Hezbollah was not defeated, and Netanyahu rushed to negotiate. In Gaza, [the radical Palestinian movement] Hamas has been defeated, while Netanyahu refuses to make a deal. The only way to bring all the hostages back is to stop the war in Gaza through a one-time agreement," she stated. 

Besides Tel Aviv, smaller-scale protests took place in several other cities across Israel. 

The situation in the Middle East sharply escalated after Hamas militants from the Gaza Strip infiltrated Israeli territory on October 7, 2023, killing residents of border communities and taking around 250 hostages. The radicals described the attack as a response to Israeli actions against the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. In retaliation, Israel declared a full blockade of Gaza and launched airstrikes on the enclave, as well as on specific areas in Lebanon and Syria, before initiating a ground operation in the Palestinian territory.    

In late November 2023, with mediation from Egypt and Qatar, a temporary humanitarian ceasefire was established, lasting for a week. During this period, according to the Israeli sources, more than 100 hostages were freed. However, on December 1, the ceasefire was broken, and hostilities resumed, continuing up till now. According to the latest data from Israel, radicals are still holding 101 hostages in Gaza.

By Naila Huseynova