Nationwide Protests Erupt Saturday Over Hostage Deal - Families Demand Comprehensive Agreement

Thousands of people took to the streets across Israel on Saturday night, demanding a comprehensive deal for the return of hostages held by Hamas, with some families accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of failing to fulfill promises made during recent talks. Demonstrations were held in multiple cities, including Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, Beersheba, and the Galilee region, as protesters voiced frustration over what they see as political delays and partial agreements regarding the hostages.

At the forefront of the protests was Einav Tsengauker, whose son, Matan Hatut, is among those still held in Gaza. During a rally in front of the Begin Gate of the Kirya in Tel Aviv, Tsengauker openly accused Netanyahu of lying to her during their recent conversation. "You said you are obligated to return everyone, but you plan to return only a few — and kill the rest through military pressure," Tsengauker shouted at the Prime Minister. She declared that Netanyahu would not be forgiven for his actions, vowing, "I will personally pursue you if my Matan comes back in a bag, and I will be your biggest nightmare."

The protests reflect widespread concern that political considerations, including ongoing government pressures for military action, are interfering with efforts to secure a comprehensive hostage deal. Tsengauker and other family members of the kidnapped have called for an end to the war in exchange for the return of all hostages, urging the government to stop giving in to the "blackmail of the extremists in the coalition."

Families Continue to Demand Full Return of Hostages, Reject Partial Deals

At a rally at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, the families of those kidnapped during the October 7 attacks shared their emotional pleas. Orna and Ronen Nowtra, the parents of Captain Omar Nowtra, who was killed during the attacks and whose body is still being held by Hamas, spoke about their year-long wait for answers. "Leadership will only be revealed in actions, in results, and in the return home of all 100 kidnapped people," Ronen Nowtra said, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

Sharon Aloni-Kunyo, who was released from Hamas custody with her daughters after 52 days, also spoke at the rally. Her partner, David, remains in captivity. Aloni-Kunyo recounted the harrowing moment she said goodbye to David, promising him that she would "not give up on you." She tearfully shared that her daughters ask daily, "When will Dad come back?", a question she has no answer for.

In a statement made earlier in front of the Kaplan Gate at the Kirya, Einav Tsengauker further criticized the government for what she described as a focus on "partial deals" rather than a comprehensive agreement. She accused Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir of prioritizing settlement expansion in Gaza over the safe return of the hostages.

Widespread Protests Across the Country, Including Military Families and Local Leaders

Protests continued across the country, with many local residents, military families, and public figures joining the rallies. In Haifa, around 1,000 people participated in a march from the city's auditorium square, carrying signs demanding the return of the hostages. The march ended at the Horev center, where protesters expressed their dissatisfaction with the government's handling of the negotiations.

In Beersheba, protesters marched from the teachers' center toward the Performing Arts Center, where former Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon spoke to the crowd. At the same time, in the Megiddo region, families from Kibbutz Nir Oz held a rally and discussion circles focused on the urgency of securing a deal for the hostages.

Other protests took place at the Karkur Junction, the Nahalal Junction, and the HaGuma Junction in the Galilee, with several smaller events also held near Ofakim and Sha'ar Negev. A particularly emotional event took place near Kibbutz Ein HaShofet, where Gali Idan, whose husband was kidnapped by Hamas, called for the immediate return of the hostages.

"We have no air," said Idan, referring to the overwhelming sense of loss and anxiety felt by families with loved ones still in Gaza.

Tensions Mount as Political Struggles Over Hostage Negotiations Continue

The protests come amid growing frustration with the government's handling of the negotiations. Several families of the kidnapped have accused Netanyahu of compromising on a comprehensive deal in favor of a military strategy that could risk the lives of those still held by Hamas. The demonstration at the Begin Gate of the Kirya was particularly pointed, with Tsengauker accusing Netanyahu of prioritizing the military outcome over the safety of the hostages.

Additionally, Danny Elgart, whose brother was kidnapped in Gaza, warned that military pressure may lead to the loss of even more hostages. "How many more hostages will we accept in the coffins until you stop the war and get them all out?" Elgart asked, urging President-elect Donald Trump to demand a full deal from Netanyahu.

In Jerusalem, a march organized by protest groups against the government took place from Zion Square to Paris Square, followed by a demonstration led by the families of the kidnapped. The police arrested four protesters during the event, including former Brigadier General Amir Haskel, a prominent figure in the protests.

Government Response and Challenges Ahead

As the protests continue to grow in size and intensity, Israeli authorities face mounting pressure to reach a full and comprehensive deal for the return of all hostages. However, divisions within the government, particularly over how to balance military objectives and humanitarian concerns, continue to complicate the situation. With the clock ticking and the families of the kidnapped demanding answers, it remains to be seen whether the government will be able to meet the demands for a complete resolution.