Thousands of Israelis protested in Tel Aviv, demanding the release of captives held in Gaza and early elections, according to Israeli media.
On Saturday, the Israeli broadcasting authority said that demonstrators gathered at Kaplan Square to demand a hostage swap with Palestinian factions in Gaza as well as early elections.
According to the authorities, families of hostages held in Gaza took part in the rallies, presenting remarks in front of the crowds.
Demonstrations in Israel have erupted following the publication of a film by the Qassam Brigades depicting two Israeli detainees demanding their release, claiming that they are living in harsh conditions amid Israeli airstrikes.
In response to the video, the prisoners’ families issued a statement saying, “Israel must choose between (invading) Rafah or a deal (with Hamas),” according to Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth.
The families begged Israeli officials to liberate the captives held in Gaza, even if it meant terminating the conflict. Tel Aviv believes 134 Israelis are being held in Gaza, while Israel holds over 9,000 Palestinians in its jails.
Israel has slain around 34,300 Palestinians since Hamas’ cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, in which 1,200 Israelis were killed and approximately 250 captives were captured.
In a previous arrangement struck in November, 81 Israelis and 24 foreigners were released in return for 240 Palestinians, including 71 women and 169 children.
The United States, Qatar, and Egypt have attempted to reach an arrangement to release the remaining Israeli hostages.
