As hostage deal appears closer, thousands rally to support hostage release, call for new elections

Tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered in Tel Aviv on Saturday evening calling on the Israeli government to approve a hostage release deal following the announcement that Hamas had dropped a key demand. 

As usual, there were two main protest groups in Tel Aviv, one attended primarily by those calling for a hostage release deal, and a separate demonstration against the government, calling for new elections. 

Organizers of the weekly anti-government protest group called on their supporters to join the rally of the hostage families outside the Defense Headquarters in Tel Aviv. 

Rescued hostage Almog Meir Jan released a video statement, which was played at the Tel Aviv protest, describing his rescue and return to Israel as being “born again.” 

“Returning was like having a birthday, like being born again, and I really hope that all the hostages in Gaza will experience that same rebirth as I did,” Jan said in the video. 

Jan also thanked the family of Arnon Zamora, the police officer killed in his rescue, calling him “a hero of Israel.” 

“It's important that we reach a deal so that all the mothers can embrace their children and husbands, just as I hug my mother every morning now,” he said. 

Almog Meir-Jan, who was rescued from Hamas captivity approximately a month ago:
"It's important that we reach a deal so that all the mothers can hug their children and husbands, just as I hug my mother every morning now." pic.twitter.com/kx75ElXTQY

— Bring Them Home Now (@bringhomenow) July 6, 2024

Maayan Sherman, whose son Ron was abducted into Gaza alive but killed during an IDF operation targeting a senior Hamas official, blamed her son's death on the government for refusing to close a deal. 

“Ron served as a liaison and support representative for the Gaza population,” Sherman said at the rally, “and under the Israeli government's watch he was kidnapped as a soldier to Gaza – alive and well.” 

“His life ended in a tunnel when it was decided to bomb the northern Gaza brigade commander along with the hostages with him. Our Ron was sacrificed for the sake of coalition's unity. He unwillingly became a resounding exclamation point on nine months of abandonment and on what could happen right now if Netanyahu continues to thwart the chance for a life-saving deal.” 

Einav Zangauker, the mother of Matan, who was abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz, said the news of a possible deal brought her hope. 

“For the first time in many long months we are feeling hopeful,” Zangauker said, begging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to the deal.

“This is a chance that can't be missed!” she cried. “Netanyahu, we have seen how you, time and time again, torpedoed the deals in the moment of truth, our hearts shattered to pieces every time," she pleaded, “Don't you dare break our hearts again!” 

Protest organizers also called for a “day of disruption” on Sunday, marking nine months since the Hamas invasion and terror attack in Israel on Oct. 7.

Protesters gathered outside the homes of several coalition government members, including Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Foreign Minister Israel Katz, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, Economy Minister Nir Barkat and Transportation Minister Miri Regev.