Nationwide Demonstrations Demand Release of Gaza Abductees and Advance of Elections

Demonstrations were held across the country on Saturday evening, calling for the release of abductees held in the Gaza Strip and the advancement of elections. This comes against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to the US and the Knesset going into recess next week.

In Tel Aviv, police arrested a photographer flying a drone from a team of protest photographers. Although the flight was coordinated with Lev Aviv officers and carried out with permits, police claimed conditions were violated. This is not the first instance of police stopping drone flights on behalf of the protest in Tel Aviv, with additional restrictions imposed on drone flights since the outbreak of the war.

Statements from Families of Abductees

Before the demonstrations, several family members of the abductees gave statements at the Begin Gate of the Kirya base in Tel Aviv. They expressed frustration over Netanyahu's handling of negotiations for a deal to release the abductees.

• Einav Tsengauker, mother of the abducted Matan Tsengauker, accused Netanyahu of "setting conditions, postponing discussions, rejecting the delegation, and briefing against the deal." She emphasized, "This is the last chance to save a life."

• Merav Sabirski, sister of Itai Sabirski who was murdered in captivity, criticized Netanyahu's opposition to the deal, stating, "The only way to save those who survived is to go to the deal on the table."

• Shay Mozes, nephew of the kidnapped Gadi Mozes, called on security heads to act, warning, "If there is no deal in the coming days, you have finished your historic role."

• Michel Iloz, father of Guy Iloz who was murdered in captivity, appealed to Netanyahu and the coalition members to support the deal and not let "extremists who are cut off from the people" sacrifice the abductees.

Solidarity and Criticism

During the demonstration at the Kaplan intersection in Tel Aviv, a minute of silence was held for the victims of the rocket attack in Majdal Shams. Former Prime Minister Ehud Barak criticized Netanyahu, saying, "A steady baritone and perfect English are no substitute for a complete lack of courage, character, and integrity."

Barak urged preparations for a broad civil uprising and non-violent civil disobedience, including shutting down the state, after the Knesset recess. Michelle Iloz, Knesset members Naama Lazimi, and Gilad Karib (Labour) also spoke at the demonstration.

At a rally led by Tzahi Halevi at the Tel Aviv Museum Square, relatives of two abductees whose bodies were returned to Israel this week spoke.

• Gal Goren, son of Mia Goren who was murdered in Nir Oz, lamented the continuous emotional toll on families due to news updates and statements from elected officials.

• Maya Achimas, sister of Sergeant Tomer Achimas, expressed relief at her brother's return but emphasized the ongoing pain for families with loved ones still held captive. "Our country has no right to exist without them," she stated.

Broader Community Support

Elhanan Fellheimer, chairman of the Union of Students in Israel, also spoke at the rally. Varda Ben Baruch, the grandmother of the kidnapped soldier Idan Alexander, offered a prayer for the peace of the soldiers and the abductees. Demonstrators continued their protest at Shaar Begin, with Talia Danzig, granddaughter of abductee Alex Danzig, condemning Netanyahu and those opposing the deal.

The nationwide demonstrations highlight the deep frustration and urgency felt by families of abductees and their supporters. As the political and security situation continues to evolve, the calls for decisive action and accountability grow louder.