At weekly protest rally, demonstrators demand hostage deal, new elections

Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem on Saturday night, demanding a hostage deal and calling for new elections. 

At the weekly rally held by the Hostage and Families Forum in Tel Aviv, several family members of the Israelis whose bodies were returned from Gaza last week addressed the crowd. 

As the news of the Hezbollah rocket attack targeting Majdal Shams was announced, the crowds held a moment of silence to honor the victims. Israel announced that 12 children were killed in the attacks. 

Gal Goren, son of slain hostage Maya Goren, told the crowds, “If we stop sanctifying the lives of all people, we will very quickly lose the ability to live here.” 

Maya Ahimas, sister of Staff Sgt. Tomer Ahimas, whose body was returned from Gaza by the IDF last week, told the families of those waiting for a deal: “I’m sorry your loved ones are still not here – it hurts so much.” 

“Perhaps we are able to breathe again after Tomer’s return, but I can’t breathe deep: It’s unconscionable that there are another 115 hostages, citizens of Israel, who are still in the hands of Hamas, and the world is silent.” 

Einav Zangauker, mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of abandoning the hostages in Gaza. 

“I would like to say good evening, but tonight is sad. My 295th evening without Matan. Because  Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is abandoning him as a prisoner of Hamas," she told those gathered at “Hostage Square.” 

Several members of the audience shouted to her: “We are with you, you are not alone.” 

Zangauker responded, “Why does he abandon? Because that's what he decided. The abducted are abandoned, suffer and even die. This is the horrifying reality. 295 days and nights of lies and deception, wickedness and abandonment. Not even a thousand more speeches in Congress will change that.” 

She also accused Netanyahu of “carrying out a targeted killing of the deal and the return of abductees alive.” 

“This is the last chance to save lives,” Zangauker told media before the rally. “If there isn't a deal in the next few days, I don't know if I'll ever see my Matan in my life.” 

Merav Swirsky, sister of murdered hostage Itai Swirsky, speaking to crowds at Sha’ar Begin, said, "My brother Itai Swirsky could have been saved. The abandonment must be stopped. The only way to save those who survived is to go with a deal on the table that has been ready to be signed for more than two months.” 

She also accused Netanyahu of repeatedly “torpedoing the deal,” saying, “the heads of the defense establishment said that the security obstacles had been removed and that the window of opportunity might close.” 

Netanyahu reportedly hardened several Israeli demands as part of the latest negotiations, after intelligence revealed that Hamas was more willing to make concessions following the strike on Al-Qassam Brigades Commander Mohammed Deif. Israeli officials believe Deif, considered to be more important to Hamas’ fighting ability than Yahya Sinwar, was killed in the attack. 

Shai Mozes, nephew of 80-year-old kidnapped Gadi Mozes, expressed the fear of many that if a deal is not secured soon, the opportunity will disappear. 

“If there is no deal in the coming days and the last chance to save lives is missed, you have finished your historic role,” Mozes said. He also called on the heads of the security establishment to act. 

“We don't need you to return bodies in bags, so this is your moment to go out to the public in your name and voice and tell the truth.” 

Rabbi Benny Lau, a prominent liberal rabbi in Israel, said a hostage deal was necessary to heal the nation.

“The horrific picture of the dead children in Majdal Shams woke us up to the understanding that we are in a difficult war, with an enemy who really wants to destroy us,” he said. “But for the heart of this nation to be whole in this war, we need to return the hostages now.”

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak addressed an anti-government rally in Tel Aviv, calling for large-scale civil disobedience until new elections are held.