Pressure on Netanyahu Grows: Nationwide Protests Demand Action for Hostages Held by Hamas

Demonstrations were held across Israel on Saturday evening, demanding the immediate return of the 100 hostages held by Hamas and protesting the government’s handling of the situation. Thousands gathered in various locations, including the Kidnappers' Square at the Tel Aviv Museum Plaza and Begin Street, where activists expressed outrage over the government’s failure to secure the release of hostages.

The rallies were marked by impassioned speeches from the families of the kidnapped, as well as growing frustration with the ongoing stalemate in hostage negotiations. At the Tel Aviv rally, participants lit bonfires in a show of defiance, although police quickly extinguished these. Five individuals were arrested for disturbing the peace and assaulting a police officer during the protests, leading to accusations of police brutality.

Families of the Kidnapped Speak Out

At the rally in Kidnappers' Square, Nofar Buchshtab, the sister of Yagev Buchshtab—who was kidnapped and killed by Hamas on October 7—blamed the government for the ongoing suffering of the hostages. “For months we have been saying that military pressure is endangering them, and now the facts speak for themselves,” she said. “The government continues to dictate a policy that sacrifices the kidnapped, swept up in revenge and wars, forgetting life along the way.”

Amnon Shahar, the grandfather of kidnapped soldier Naama Levy, also addressed the crowd, urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to consider the suffering of the hostages. "I hear the voices that say you only think about your political survival and that is what dictates your actions, preventing a deal to free the kidnapped," he said. "What goes through your mind when you put your head on your pillow at night, Bibi? Do you think of Naama in some filthy tunnel, hungry, thirsty, wounded, sick?"

Roni and Shai Elbag, sisters of Liri Elbag—one of the 100 kidnapped observers—also spoke out, describing the anguish of not knowing the fate of their 19-year-old sister. “Every day that passes only deepens the pain. Liri is not alone. She is one of 100 kidnapped people in Gaza. This is not just our struggle, it is the struggle of all of us,” they said.

Growing Calls for Government Accountability

The protests are fueled by ongoing negotiations and growing frustrations with the government’s inaction. Recent reports have suggested renewed momentum in negotiations for a ceasefire, with the Qatari Prime Minister indicating that talks for a deal to free the hostages are intensifying. At the same time, a new video emerged showing Matan Tsengauker, one of the hostages, alive in Gaza, which has sparked both hope and anger among the public.

Danny Elgert, the brother of kidnapped Itzik Elgert, confronted Netanyahu directly during the rally: “We have reached 100 kidnapped, well done to you. You have returned another kidnapped lifeless,” he said. “You should ask for forgiveness for abandoning the kidnapped and for the trapdoor you’ve left them in.”

Einav Tsengauker, the mother of Matan Tsengauker, also spoke out at the rally, urging the government not to let politics prevent the release of her son. "For more than a year you have been rotting in the tunnels. To you, Mr. Prime Minister – I warn you! Do not torpedo the deal, do not sacrifice my Matan for your rule."

Protesters Denounce Government's "Destructive" Path

At other demonstrations, activists voiced anger over what they called the government's focus on "destructive" legislation that harms democracy, rather than prioritizing the return of the hostages. Einav Tsengauker’s remarks were echoed by a number of political figures, including Gilad Kariv, a member of the Knesset from the Democratic faction, who stated: “Our choice is clear – we are with Einav Tsengauker and the families of the kidnapped.”

Amit Bachar, chairman of the Israeli Bar Association, also participated in the protests, saying: “The legal coup is happening now. Do not give up. The truth will prevail, democracy will prevail, Israel will prevail.”

Pressure on Netanyahu Grows

Other protesters, including Itzik Horn, father of kidnapped brothers Yair and Eitan, expressed frustration with Prime Minister Netanyahu’s handling of the crisis. “It happened on his watch, he is responsible, he is guilty,” Horn said. “He continues to abandon them to die in the tunnels. Please, Mr. Prime Minister, get them out of there already.”

The demonstrations, which took place across several cities including Tel Aviv, Rishon Lezion, Netanya, and Sha'ar Negev, highlighted the growing public sentiment that the government must prioritize the lives of the kidnapped and secure their release. Many families emphasized that this was not a political matter, but a question of basic humanity.

Or, the brother of Carmel Gat, who was murdered in Hamas captivity, expressed his own anguish: “Military pressure is killing the kidnapped. They promised us that they would release them, but they are killing them. I call on the government – stop the neglect. Return the kidnapped, establish a state investigation committee and take responsibility for the disaster that happened.”

Nationwide Movement for Hostage Release

The protests reflect a widespread national outcry over the government's handling of the hostage crisis. With the number of hostages held by Hamas still at 100, and the toll on the families continuing to grow, calls for swift action from the government are intensifying.

As the demonstrations continue, it remains unclear whether the government will shift its policy to prioritize a deal for the return of the hostages. For now, the families of the kidnapped continue to demand that their loved ones be brought home, alive and safe.