Israeli Protests Demand Hostage Release and End to Gaza Conflict

On Saturday night, a passionate rally took place across Israel, calling for the release of the 100 hostages held by Hamas and an end to the ongoing war in Gaza. The demonstration was led by Einav Zangauker, the mother of Matan Zangauker, a hostage currently in Hamas captivity. Speaking to the crowd, Zangauker urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take decisive action and push for a comprehensive deal to end the conflict.

Zangauker said, "[Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu, seize the opportunity, stop giving in to the extortion of extremists in the government, and put forth an Israeli initiative to end the war in Gaza and achieve a comprehensive deal in one phase - now."

The protest, part of a weekly tradition held every Saturday night in various locations across Israel, came in response to a new video released by Hamas on their Telegram channel, showing an unidentifiable hostage. Thousands gathered in cities like Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Karkur Junction, demanding action for the hostages’ release and an immediate ceasefire.

One of the most prominent figures in the protests, Brig.-Gen. (res.) Amir Haskel, a leader of demonstrations against the government, was arrested while participating in a protest in Jerusalem on Saturday night. Police detained him as he attempted to leave the protest, drawing efforts from other demonstrators to prevent his arrest.

In Jerusalem, a march from the city center to Paris Square ended with additional arrests. Two protesters were detained during the protest, and two others were arrested for attempting to block the police action.