Tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered last evening (Sunday) at several locations across the country, calling for the promotion of a hostage deal. The protest, following the return of six hostage bodies yesterday and the publication of their names this morning, is likely the largest since the outbreak of the war. The Hostage Families Headquarters warned in response to the IDF’s announcement of the recovery of the bodies, stating that “starting tomorrow, the country will tremble.”
In Tel Aviv, the protests spread across multiple streets, including Begin, Kaplan, Shaul Hamelech, Arlozorov, and more. Police estimate that there are about 80,000 protesters. Hundreds of demonstrators blocked the Ayalon Highway near the Arlozorov interchange, both northbound and southbound. They lit bonfires, shot fireworks, threw firecrackers, and scattered debris such as wooden planks, metal bars, and nails. A 50-year-old protester was moderately injured after falling from a height of two meters and was taken to Ichilov Hospital. The police attempted to disperse the demonstrators using mounted units, stun grenades, and water cannons, but without success. Over twenty protesters were arrested. During the clashes, a policewoman was injured and taken to the hospital. A large protest was also held in Jerusalem, where the entrance to the city was blocked. Additional protests are taking place in Haifa, Be’er Sheva, and other locations.
Many of the protesters are directing their anger at the government, which has so far avoided a deal, calling for its immediate removal, holding it responsible and blaming it for abandoning the hostages and for the dire security situation, as they claim. Among the legitimate calls, there were also real incitement calls, with some protesters chanting “Bibi murderer,” and during the Jerusalem protest, these words were even written on a government vehicle in the Prime Minister’s convoy and on a bus at the city’s entrance.
Israelis also held demonstrations in support of a hostage deal at several locations worldwide, including London, Berlin, Philadelphia, and New York.
