Thousands of Israelis demand immediate release of hostages

Thousands of Israelis took to the streets again on December 7 evening.

The rally participants demanded the immediate release of hostages held by militants in the Gaza Strip for 428 days. The biggest rally was held near the government complex in eastern Tel Aviv, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

According to The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, one of the main organisers of the weekly protests, the rally was held under the slogan "The time has come: one stage, one hope".

The organisation explained that it is time for a comprehensive, one-step deal for the return of all hostages: the living for rehabilitation and the dead for a dignified burial in their homeland.

Protesters in Tel Aviv waved Israeli flags and chanted slogans in support of the hostages. Many participants brought posters with the names and portraits of the abducted. There were also calls for the immediate resignation of the Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. 

Not all hostages captured by Hamas have been freed. On November 19, Netanyahu stated that Israel would pay $5 million for each hostage released from the captivity of the Palestinian organisation. In November 2023, Israel and Hamas agreed to a humanitarian pause and the release of some hostages. During a week, the group freed 110 people. According to Israeli data as of September 1, 2024, only 64 out of 97 hostages still held by Hamas, are confirmed to be alive.

By Naila Huseynova