“Hostage” demonstrations in Israel… “Bring them back”

Demonstrations were held in several cities in Israel to demand the return of Israeli prisoners held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

With the organization of the “Kidnapped and Missing Families Initiative”, thousands of Israelis gathered in the capital Tel Aviv, Haifa, Eliat and West Jerusalem to support the families of the captives. Activists demanded the release of captives held by Hamas’s armed wing, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, and that the government take action on behalf of the hostages.

Families of the prisoners and protesters supporting them gathered outside the Tel Aviv Museum in the capital and chanted slogans such as “Bring them back.”

The families of the prisoners also called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to use all possible means to free their relatives in Gaza. The Kidnapped and Missing Families Initiative also made a statement on its social media account X, addressing Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and saying: “Your lives are in your hands.”

‘Cease fire as soon as possible’

Tel Aviv was the scene of another demonstration this afternoon, with a group of Israelis gathered near the Ministry of Defense calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Protesters demanding a prisoner exchange between Israel and Palestinian groups carried signs reading “Ceasefire ASAP,” “Prisoner exchange right now” and “There are no winners in war” in English and Hebrew.

There are reportedly 242 Israeli prisoners held by the Qassam Brigades. (AA)