Anti-government protesters in Israel demand a deal to release hostages
Large crowds of demonstrators gathered in several Israeli cities on Saturday, urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government to prioritize the return of hostages from Gaza. In Tel Aviv, protesters blocked traffic and rallied outside the Israel Defense Forces headquarters, chanting anti-government slogans.
Eran Nissan, a peace activist from the progressive group Mehazkim, has been participating in anti-government demonstrations since January last year. On Saturday, he distributed T-shirts and stickers criticizing Israel’s far-right security minister Itamar Ben Gvir.
Nissan emphasized that the protesters’ main demand was a ceasefire-for-hostages deal. “The issue of hostages is the first, second, and third priority,” he told CNN, adding that the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar on Wednesday could open the door to a potential agreement.
“There’s broad consensus in Israeli society on this issue. 105 hostages have already been released through a deal,” Nissan said, referencing the weeklong ceasefire and hostage exchange that occurred last November.
Israeli authorities report that 101 hostages remain in Gaza, though up to a third of them are feared dead.
Nissan also expressed skepticism about the government’s motives, suggesting they might be prolonging the war for political reasons. “They know that when the war ends, they’ll face questions about their role in leading Israel to the October 7 attack, and there will be a national inquiry and calls for elections. Every poll shows they’ll suffer significant losses,” he stated.
Saturday’s protests were among the largest since the government banned mass gatherings following the October 1 Iranian missile attack, which Tehran claimed was retaliation for the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
Israel accused of killing 73 people in strike on Beit Lahiya; Israel says toll exaggerated
Israel has been accused of killing at least 73 people in a strike on Beit Lahiya in northern Gaza, according to the Hamas-run Government Information Office in the territory.
The office stated that Israeli forces had bombed a densely populated residential area, describing the attack as a “horrific massacre” and reporting that most of the victims were women and children. It also said dozens of people were missing or wounded.
CNN has not independently verified these claims, which the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) contest, saying the figures are exaggerated and do not align with its data.
The IDF stated that its operation targeted a Hamas terror site and emphasized that it was taking steps to avoid civilian casualties.
