Protesters Demand the Return of Hostages Outside Kirya Military Headquarters in Tel Aviv

Protests continued outside the Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv on Monday, with demonstrators calling for the return of the remaining hostages held in Gaza. The protests, which began on Saturday night, have seen activists from across the country gathering to voice their demands and support families affected by the ongoing hostage crisis.

Hundreds of people gathered outside the Kirya, where they used megaphones, held signs, and lit bonfires to amplify their message. "I’m scared and terrified that the hostages who are still alive and waiting in the tunnels won’t make it," said one protestor, highlighting the urgent and dire situation of those still in captivity.

The protests were organized by Kulanu Hatufim, a group of hostage families and activists. In a statement, they expressed the heartbreak of a nation waiting for the return of their loved ones. "A nation will stand, brokenhearted but breathing, for the implementation of the agreement,” the statement read, emphasizing the need for swift action and a resolution to the ongoing crisis.

The demonstrators also expressed frustration with the lack of immediate progress. "I’m here because there’s nothing else I can do," said one protester. "The people sleeping in the tents, they’re the true fighters."

Public Outcry and Solidarity

As the protests gathered steam, local residents, including Tel Aviv's Yvgeny, joined in to show their solidarity. "I saw a live broadcast of the protest, which said that it was cold here at night, so I decided to bring mattresses and sleeping bags to help," Yvgeny said, adding that he planned to stay and participate in the protest throughout the night.

The protesters' concerns have been amplified by the recent surge in public outcry over the perceived lack of government action. "We feel like the only man we can trust is Trump at the moment," said one demonstrator, referring to former US President Donald Trump's support for Israel. "It’s an absolute shame that we need to look to a foreign government and billionaires to care for our citizens instead of our own government. Trump cares a lot more than our own Prime Minister. It’s insane."

Personal Stories of Loss and Hope

Many of the protesters shared deeply personal stories of loss. Ilat, a mother holding a sign with a photograph of her close friend's son, Guy Illuz, who was kidnapped from the Nova Festival on October 7, expressed her anguish. "This is who we are, this is our basic commitment to our Israeli identities. If we don’t fight for this, we give up on all of our values," Ilat said, reflecting the emotional weight of the demonstrations.

Einav Zangauker, another protester whose son Matan is still held hostage in Gaza, made it clear that the protests would not stop. "After the protest outside the Kirya, we will go on 'Operation Surround the Kirya' – the place from which Netanyahu will direct the renewal of the war and cabinet meetings. We will sit together outside the gates, and we will not move," she vowed. "We will not stop, and we will not let up until an agreement has been undertaken in full."

Widespread Support for the Cause

The call for justice has sparked widespread support, with various organizations joining the protests. Groups like Changing Direction, Standing Together, the Hi-Tech Protest Crime Minister, The Academia Protest, and Unacceptable, among others, have rallied to the cause, amplifying the message that the return of the hostages must remain a top priority for the Israeli government.