Demonstrators protest calling for the release of Israeli hostages held in the Gaza Strip and against the current Israeli government outside Defense Headquarters in Tel Aviv, May 4, 2024. (Photo: Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)
Families of hostages and anti-government demonstrators protested throughout the country again Saturday night, calling for a deal to be reached as soon as possible, amid reports of possible positive developments on the part of Hamas and resistance on the part of Israel.
In Tel Aviv there were separate demonstrations, one calling for elections, was held at Kaplan Square, while another was held at the Hostage Families Square, next to the Tel Aviv Museum. A smaller rally also involved families of hostages near Defense Headquarters, known as “the Kirya.”
Thousands turned out for the rally at the Hostage Square, where family members also referenced Holocaust Remembrance Day, which begins Sunday evening. The families called on members of the war cabinet to approve the hosting deal currently being negotiated.
“Your historic role requires you to approve the deal that is now on the table, fulfill your responsibilities as leaders,” the families said.
At the same time, another protest, held on Begin Road near the Kirya, involved strong statements by relatives of the hostages against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Einav Tzangauker, mother of the host Matan Tzangauker, accused Netanyahu of “torpedoing the deal.”
“This is the 211th day that our families are in hell in Gaza,” Einav said. “There is now a deal on the table. Hamas has signaled that it agrees to it, but Netanyahu is initiating another move to torpedo the deal. It’s a crime, he abandons them to their deaths. End the war, bring back the hostages first.”
Her statements referred to a statement by an anonymous Israeli official, following reports in Israeli and Arab media that Israel and Hamas were close to agreeing on a deal which would halt fighting and free hostages.
The statement by the anonymous official said, “Contrary to the reports, Israel will under no circumstances agree to the end of the war as part of an agreement to release our hostages.”
Times of Israel reported a statement by a Hamas spokesperson Osama Hamdan, saying the group would not agree to a deal that does not include a permanent ceasefire.
Hamdan said discussions were focused on “the main issue, which is the complete ceasefire and complete withdrawal from Gaza.”
Danny Elgart, whose brother Itzik is still held in Gaza, also addressed Netanyahu, saying, “The war is over, don’t manipulate us.”
He accused Netanyahu of being afraid of National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who has called to continue the war and enter Rafah.
“Entering Rafah is a death sentence for abductees – you have no mandate to kill 132 civilians in order to be prime minister,” Elgart said.
At the end of the Tel Aviv demonstrations, thousands of people, including family members of the hostages, marched from Kaplan Street to Begin Road, and briefly blocked the Ayalon Highway.
In Jerusalem, hundreds of people participated in a rally in Paris Square calling for the return of the hostages, followed by a march to Bell Garden calling for early elections.
At the same time, another group of families from the Heroism Forum, demanded that Israel enter Rafah and not continue negotiations. The families blocked the entrance to Jerusalem near Chords Bridge, chanting, “Do not surrender to Hamas.”
“Our loved ones died bravely for all of us, we will not allow their deaths to be in vain,” the group said.
