Thousands protest in Tel Aviv, demand government action to bring back captives

Thousands of protesters gathered in Tel Aviv on Saturday night to demand action from the Israeli government regarding the release of the hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza. 

The protesters met at the newly-named “Hostage’s Square" near the Tel Aviv Museum and urged the government to secure the immediate release of the hostages.

The rally was also attended by former Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, former Education Minister Shay Baron, as well as several well-known Israeli singers. 

Several family members of captives addressed the rally, expressing their frustration at the lack of progress in the release of more hostages. 

Noam Perry, whose father was taken captive by Hamas on Oct. 7, said: “Mr. Prime Minister, cabinet members: Do not talk to me about conquering, do not talk to me about flattening [Gaza]. Do not talk at all. Just take action … Bring them home now.” 

Moran Betzer-Tayar, the aunt of two of the hostages, said, “We ask you to do whatever it takes to bring them back home immediately.” 

Orli Gilboa, the mother of 19-year-old Daniela Gilboa, said she is asking the women in the government to act. 

“I'm done with the hugs and empathy phase. I want to see actions that will bring my daughter and the abductees home now,” she stated. “I'm turning to the women in government: If your daughter was in Gaza, what would you do? Do? We want everyone home now.” 

Rivlin told those gathered at the rally that he has reached out to international leaders. 

“I am with you in the uncompromising call to return all the hostages home. I am speaking and addressing all the leaders around the world and telling them: get us information, act in all areas for the release of the hostages, as you have demanded of us many times,” Rivlin said. 

“This week I contacted the Red Cross Commission and asked them simply: 'How should we respond to your demand for humanitarian aid to Gaza when you do not force Hamas to allow you to visit all the abductees? Why do you avoid going to the devil, to those who killed and murdered children, old people, and women and use their men as a human shield.” 

Israel's N12 news reported that the families are planning to file a lawsuit to the International Court of Justice in The Hague against senior Hamas figures. The lawsuit will charge the leaders of Hamas with war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.