Tens of Thousands March for Hostages’ Release as Families Demand Immediate Deal: “652 Days in Hell”

On the 652nd day since the October 7 Hamas attack, during which dozens of Israeli men and women were kidnapped and taken to Gaza, renewed pressure mounted on both Israeli and international leaders to finalize a comprehensive hostage release deal. Amid ongoing negotiations in Qatar, tens of thousands of demonstrators marched through Tel Aviv on Saturday night, culminating in a mass rally outside the U.S. Embassy.

U.S. President Donald Trump made another optimistic statement Saturday night, asserting that a new agreement is near. "We got most of the hostages back; we will have 10 more very soon," he declared. "We hope to finish it quickly."

Despite this, a senior Israeli official expressed growing concern over Hamas's approach, saying, “Hamas is dragging its feet. We’ve come a long way, but their refusal to move forward on the prisoner key issue is raising serious doubts about their intentions.”

Families of Hostages Plead for Action

At the heart of the rally was Doron Steinbracher, a former hostage who spent 471 days in Hamas tunnels before her release six months ago. Speaking from Kidnapped Square (Hatufim Square), she delivered a powerful appeal:

“Exactly six months ago I passed from the gates of hell to Israel. I still can’t breathe. Not until everyone comes home. It is possible to bring them back — the deal just needs to be signed. Not tomorrow. Today.”

Steinbracher also addressed Trump directly in English, paraphrasing his famous slogan:

“Close a deal that will make Israel great again. I know how important this issue is to you — you can make it happen.”

Families Accuse Netanyahu of Blocking Deal

Throughout the evening, family members of hostages and those killed on October 7 harshly criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of playing “petty politics” and undermining previous agreements.

Einav Tsengauker, whose son Matan has been in captivity for 652 days and suffers from muscular dystrophy, warned:

“He doesn’t have time. Netanyahu is making selections among the hostages. Stop delaying.”

Itzik Horn, father of a current and a former hostage, said:

“You tore my son away from his brothers and blew up the agreement. Stop killing opportunities.”

Yehuda Cohen, father of kidnapped soldier Nimrod Cohen, said his son recently marked his second birthday in captivity:

“For 652 days the government has abandoned him to severe torture.”

From Tel Aviv to Caesarea: A Nationwide Outcry

Parallel rallies took place across Israel — from the Karkur intersection to Rothschild Boulevard in Caesarea. Protesters waved Israeli flags and carried signs demanding the immediate return of all hostages. Chants of "All of them — now!" and "Why are they still in Gaza?" echoed through the streets.

Among the marchers were released hostages Yocheved Lipshitz and family members of those still in captivity, including Hila Bashan, cousin of survivor Or Levi.

“We’ve been on the streets for almost two years. The people are tired, but today we feel energy returning,” she told Ynet.

Robbie Chen, father of a hostage, thanked demonstrators:

“You give us the energy to continue until we bring the last abductee home.”

"Mutual Guarantee Is the Foundation"

Yonatan Shalev, an IDF reservist and founder of the organization "Shoulder to Shoulder," stressed the moral obligation to bring the hostages home:

“The return of the kidnapped is the supreme mission of the State of Israel. The first thing taught in the IDF is mutual guarantee.”

Grief and Hope Intertwine

Nadav Rodaif, whose father Lior Rodaif was killed on October 7 while defending his kibbutz, gave an emotional speech on his father's birthday:

“Too much blood has been shed. End the war, return all the kidnapped, return all the soldiers.”

He called on Israelis to honor his father's memory by donating blood and teaching the next generation about giving back.

With 50 hostages still held in Gaza, the Israeli public — led by grieving families and survivors — is demanding swift, comprehensive action. While optimism from Trump and mediators persists, frustration with the Israeli leadership is boiling over. For the families, time is running out. As Doron Steinbracher declared:

“The deal cannot be sloppy. It must be signed this week. Today. It must include everyone.”