Thousands Rally in Tel Aviv Calling for End to Gaza War and Release of Captives
Tel Aviv, October 21, 2023 – Thousands of Israelis took to the streets of central Tel Aviv over the weekend, demanding an end to the ongoing war in Gaza and the immediate release of Israeli captives held by Hamas. Organized by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, the demonstration took place in “Hostages Square,” with additional protests occurring outside the Israeli military headquarters.
Among the demonstrators at Habima Square was Shai Mozes, who criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating, “the real enemy is not Hamas, but Netanyahu, who is destroying Israel as a Jewish and democratic state.” Many protestors believe that Netanyahu’s decision to intensify military operations in Gaza serves his personal and political interests rather than the nation’s.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum expressed concern that the Israeli military’s expanded offensive is jeopardizing the lives of captives still being held in Gaza. Protests were also anticipated in cities like Jerusalem, Haifa, and Beersheba, highlighting widespread discontent with the government’s handling of the situation.
In a separate development, Hamas’s armed wing released a video featuring two Israeli captives, Elkana Bohbot and Yosef Haim Ohana, urging the Israeli government to end the war. The three-minute video portrayed Bohbot, who appeared weak, while Ohana called for action to secure the release of all captives. Both men were abducted during a Hamas attack at a music festival in southern Israel on October 7.
As tensions escalate, the Israeli public’s unrest reflects deepening frustrations over the ongoing conflict and the call for a reassessment of national leadership amidst a humanitarian crisis.
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