Thousands demonstrate across Israel to demand Gaza hostage deal

JERUSALEM / ISTANBUL

Thousands of Israelis demonstrated in several cities across Israel on Saturday to demand a deal to secure the release of captives held by Palestinian factions in the Gaza Strip.

Thousands gathered at Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square in central Israel, including families of the hostages. Similar rallies were staged in other cities, including Haifa in the north, according to the daily Yedioth Ahronoth.

Protesters chanted slogans accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government of obstructing a deal, leaving their beloved ones in danger, the newspaper said.

The mother of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker accused Netanyahu of hindering efforts to reach a swap deal.

“If Matan comes back in a body bag, it won’t only be Matan and me who pay the price. I will personally ensure that you face charges of premeditated murder,” Einav told a press conference outside the army headquarters in Tel Aviv.

Israel has killed nearly 63,400 Palestinians in Gaza since October 2023. The military campaign has devastated the enclave, which is facing famine.

Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.