Thousands of Israeli Demonstrators Call for New Elections and Action to Bring Hostages Home
Thousands of Israeli Protesters Demand New Elections and Action to Bring Hostages Home
TEL AVIV (Reuters) – In a powerful display of frustration and determination, thousands of Israeli demonstrators took to the streets on Saturday to demand new elections and urge the government to take more decisive action to bring the hostages held in Gaza back home.
The protests come as the war in Gaza enters its seventh month, with growing anger over the government’s handling of the 133 Israeli hostages still held by Hamas. Surveys show that many Israelis blame Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the security failures that led to the devastating attack by Hamas fighters on southern Israel on Oct. 7.
Despite calls for early elections, Netanyahu has refused, citing the ongoing war and the belief that holding elections now would only benefit Hamas. Protesters, however, are adamant in their demand for change.
“We’re here to protest against this government that keeps dragging us down, month after month; before October 7th, after October 7th. We kept going down in a spiral,” said Yalon Pikman, 58, who participated in a march in Tel Aviv.
The Oct. 7 attack by Hamas gunmen resulted in the seizure of 253 people and the deaths of around 1,200, according to Israeli reports. While some hostages were released in a November truce, efforts to secure the release of the remaining captives have hit a roadblock.
Netanyahu has vowed to continue the Israeli campaign in Gaza until all hostages are brought home and Hamas is defeated. However, a recent attack by Iranian drones and missiles on Israel has shifted focus from Gaza, leaving many families of the hostages feeling time is running out.
“My mother is really strong. She’s holding us together,” said Sharone Lifschitz, 52, whose father remains in captivity. “But as time passes, the weight of what is happening – the way that those who could have returned them failed to return them – the sheer weight of that is weighing more and more on her shoulders. And her hope, too, is diminishing.”
The determination of the protesters and the emotional toll on the families of the hostages highlight the urgency of the situation and the need for action. As the demonstrations continue, the pressure on the government to address the crisis intensifies.
