Thousands of demonstrators gathered in central Tel Aviv on Saturday, demanding the release of hostages held in Gaza and calling for early elections to remove Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from office. The protesters marched through Habima Square, carrying signs labeling Netanyahu as “the face of evil” and demanding immediate elections. Similar demonstrations took place in Haifa and outside the Prime Minister’s residence in Jerusalem.
Netanyahu is facing mounting pressure to secure the release of hostages captured by Hamas on October 7. The group announced the deaths of two more captives earlier this week. Avi Lulu Shamriz, the father of Alon Shamriz, a hostage killed by Israeli troops, expressed his concerns about Netanyahu’s war cabinet and urged for their immediate release.
In a briefing on Saturday, military spokesman Daniel Hagari revealed that troops had discovered a tunnel in Khan Yunis, where some hostages had been held. Evidence, including artwork created by a five-year-old captive, was found in the tunnel. Hagari stated that around 20 hostages had been held in the tunnel under harsh conditions.
Netanyahu’s handling of the war has come under criticism from rival politicians and critics. Protester Yael Niv emphasized the need for a new government to rectify the country’s course and highlighted the danger posed by the “messianic elements” within the current administration.
Netanyahu has vowed to eradicate Hamas in response to their October 7 attacks, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,140 people in Israel, predominantly civilians. Hamas seized around 250 hostages during the attacks, with approximately 132 still held in Gaza. The retaliatory actions by Israel have resulted in the deaths of at least 24,927 people in Gaza, primarily women and children, according to the Hamas government’s health ministry.
The Prime Minister’s goals and decision-making have drawn criticism, with some accusing him of prioritizing his political interests over the well-being of the country. Demonstrator Yair Katz expressed the desire for Netanyahu’s resignation but doubted that he would voluntarily step down.
Even before the conflict with Hamas, Netanyahu faced widespread protests against his government’s proposed legal reforms, which were seen as a threat to Israel’s democracy.
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