Thousands rally across Israel; families of abductees accuse Netanyahu of abandoning hostages

Thousands of Israelis took to the streets across the country on Saturday evening, demanding the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas and condemning the government’s handling of the crisis. Demonstrations took place in Tel Aviv, Haifa, Be’er Sheva, Jerusalem, and at dozens of major junctions nationwide.

In Tel Aviv, around 2,000 demonstrators marched from Savidor Central Train Station to Hostage Square, where the central rally was led by the families of those still held captive in Gaza. The protest was charged with emotion and anger, with many speakers accusing the government of abandoning their loved ones and actively derailing efforts for a negotiated release.

“No Peace Without a Deal”

Sharon Aloni-Kunyo, the wife of hostage David Kunyo, addressed reports of Israel’s alleged attempted assassination of senior Hamas leaders in Qatar earlier this week — a move that she and others claim has jeopardized ongoing negotiations.

“I am scared to death. What is happening to the kidnapped now?” she said. “The government that abandoned them on October 7 has decided to give them up. Netanyahu opposes the very plan he initiated, and the talks have collapsed again — this time with fire and smoke.”

She urged continued public pressure:

“There will be no routine here until they return. This deal must happen. This war must stop. Everyone must come home.”

Testimonies from Survivors and Families

Alma Or, who was freed in a previous hostage deal, shared her emotional plea for the return of her father, Dror Or, still in captivity:

“The dead abductees must return so that we can close the circle, so that I can go back to being a child. A child shouldn’t have to beg for her father’s body.”

Keith Siegel, released in February, recounted the abuse suffered during captivity:

“I saw how the terrorists treated the kidnapped — with brutal violence, physically and mentally. I was held with Gali and Ziv Berman, twin brothers who were kidnapped together and forcibly separated. I was with Matan Engrest, who suffered severe burns while protecting us.”

Sigal Mayer, aunt of Gali and Ziv Berman, gave a searing speech:

“Why do we have to wage a battle against the government that abandoned us? Why are our leaders silent? How do you sleep at night? Are you not afraid that 48 coffins may return — or fewer, because some may simply disappear?”

Dalit Shetvi, whose son Idan's body was recently returned, accused the government of prioritizing politics over lives:

“Since October 7, the value of protecting citizens has been replaced by political games and failed negotiations — all at the expense of our loved ones suffering in Gaza.”

Anger Over Alleged Assassination Attempt

Earlier in the day, several family members of the hostages held a press event at the Begin Gate, addressing the reported Israeli attempt to assassinate Hamas leaders in Doha on Tuesday — while ceasefire and hostage release talks were ongoing.

Einav Tsengauker, whose son is held captive, delivered a scathing critique of Prime Minister Netanyahu:

“We witnessed a glorious failure. Netanyahu gambled with the lives of the hostages. Trump said it before — every time there's progress in negotiations, Netanyahu bombs something. This time, he bombed our last hope.”

She continued:

“If he had listened to the heads of Mossad, the National Security Council, and the IDF Chief of Staff, this could’ve been avoided. But Netanyahu will destroy any path to ending this war — even if it means sacrificing the hostages.”

Tsengauker called for mass mobilization:

“He is condemning us to an endless political war. Take to the streets. Public pressure is the only thing that will make him bring a deal and end this war.”

Protests Across the Country

• Jerusalem: Hundreds marched from the Bell Tower to Paris Square. Speakers included Gadi Amichai, nephew of Oded Lipshitz (murdered in captivity), and Efrat Machikwa, niece of hostages Margalit and Gadi Mozes.

• Haifa: Thousands marched from the Auditorium Plaza in Carmel Center to Horev Center, where the city’s main protest was held.

• Be’er Sheva: Demonstrators walked from the Teachers’ Center to the Arts Center, demanding immediate government action.

• Karmei Gat: The Nir Oz community held its weekly rally. Ravit Nochomovich, daughter of Amiram Cooper (whose body remains in Gaza), and Nurit Cooper, a recently released hostage, spoke emotionally about their loss and frustration.

• Nationwide: Demonstrations also took place at Zichron Yaakov, Karkur, Nahalal, Tzemach, Ein Hantziv, HaGoma, Rosh Pina, Karmiel, Kabri, Nahariya, and Qeshtot junctions.

Background
The protests follow a tense week in which indirect ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas appeared to collapse. Families of hostages have long accused the Netanyahu government of delaying or undermining potential deals, and tensions have escalated amid reports of covert military operations that may have compromised the talks.

As the war continues and the fate of the hostages remains uncertain, public dissatisfaction is reaching new heights — with growing calls for accountability, clarity, and an end to what demonstrators describe as avoidable suffering.