Demonstrations Across Israel Demand from the government the Return of Abductees from Gaza

Demonstrations of support for the families of the abductees held in the Gaza Strip took place across Israel on Saturday evening. This marked the third consecutive week of protests demanding the return of the abductees, with some protestors also calling for the removal of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Key Highlights:

    •    Nationwide Demonstrations: Protests occurred in various cities, including Haifa, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Beer Sheva, and Eilat.

    •    Protest Escalation: The families of the abducted individuals intensified their protests by setting up tents in front of the Kirya in Tel Aviv, where they planned to spend the night until the abductees were released. The official number of abductees reached 241 people.

    •    Jerusalem Protests: Around 2,000 people demonstrated near Prime Minister Netanyahu's house in Jerusalem, with some attempting to break through police barriers. Three individuals were arrested, including a prominent activist. The police deployed cavalry and a skunk (a non-lethal crowd control method) and deemed the demonstration illegal.

    •    Cinema City Intersection: Hundreds of protestors gathered at the Cinema City junction in Jerusalem, demanding the return of the abductees. They briefly blocked a lane at the intersection.

    •    Tel Aviv Rally: Thousands gathered at the Tel Aviv Museum plaza for a demonstration organized by the families of the abducted and missing persons. Speakers shared personal stories, emphasizing the urgency of bringing their loved ones home.

    •    Caesarea Demonstration: About 200 people protested at the entrance to the street where the Netanyahu family lives. Some Likud supporters accused the demonstrators of supporting Hamas, calling for Netanyahu's impeachment.

    •    Karkur Intersection: For the first time since the conflict began, a demonstration in support of the abductees and families of the murdered took place at the Karkur intersection. Approximately 350 people attended, holding candles and photos of the abductees.

    •    Nationwide Support: Similar demonstrations also occurred in Haifa, at the Zemach and Tivon junctions, as well as in Be'er Sheva and Eilat.

    •    International Developments: An executive plane previously used by senior Israeli officials landed in Cairo and took off half an hour later, following a similar occurrence in Doha the previous week, which was later revealed to involve Mossad head David Barnea's visit to Qatar.

The demonstrations reflect the ongoing public concern for the return of the abductees from the Gaza Strip and growing pressure on the government over this issue.