Thousands of protesters filled the streets of Tel Aviv and other cities across Israel urging the government to act swiftly to secure the release of hostages still held in Gaza.
At the central rally in Tel Aviv, Eli Sharabi, a former hostage taken during the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, delivered a powerful appeal to Israel’s leadership.
“The window of opportunity to bring home all 50 hostages, living and dead, is open now, and it won’t be for long,” he said, according to Israeli newspaper Haaretz.
Sharabi, who spent 16 months in captivity before being released in February, returned home to the devastating news that his wife and two young daughters had been killed in the October assault. His brother, Yossi, remains among those whose remains are still believed to be in Gaza.
In a pointed message to government officials, Sharabi added, “You were elected to serve this people. With humility, with modesty. It is arrogance that brought disaster upon us – and we must not return to this pattern of behaviour.”
According to Israeli government figures, 50 individuals abducted during the October 7 attacks are still held in Gaza. At least 20 of them are believed to be alive.
Indirect talks between Israel and Hamas are currently taking place in Doha, Qatar. The negotiations reportedly center around a proposed 60-day ceasefire and the release of 10 surviving hostages along with the remains of others.
However, sources cited by the German Press Agency on Saturday indicated that the discussions had reached an impasse, with both parties blaming each other for the deadlock.
Public frustration is mounting, with many demonstrators placing blame on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration for the lack of progress in securing the hostages’ release.
