TEL AVIV, ISRAEL — Thousands of Israelis gathered outside the Ministry of Defence in Tel Aviv on Saturday, urging the government to prioritize the release of captives still held in Gaza over escalating military operations in the Palestinian territory.
The demonstration coincided with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s authorization to mobilize up to 60,000 reserve troops, signaling plans to intensify the assault on the besieged Palestinian enclave.
Protesters expressed deep concern that expanding military operations would further endanger the lives of the 59 remaining captives held by Hamas. One demonstrator held a placard reading, “Our tyrant is a liar, because of him the state is on fire.”
The Bring Them Home Campaign, representing the captives’ families, condemned the government’s move as reckless. In a statement, they said, “Expanding the fighting will endanger the kidnapped, the living and the dead alike.” They urged Netanyahu to abandon the offensive and instead reach an agreement to secure the captives’ return.
A video circulated by Hamas on Saturday purported to show one of the Israeli captives, identified by local media as Maxim Herkin, being rescued by Hamas members after an Israeli attack struck a tunnel, burying and injuring him.
Israeli journalist Gideon Levy commented on the protest movement, stating that while it remains consistent and courageous, it lacks the momentum to influence Netanyahu’s coalition. He noted that a significant segment of Israeli society continues to support the war effort, even amid rising frustration from the captives’ families.
Netanyahu, speaking at a public event in Jerusalem on Thursday, emphasized that defeating Hamas remains Israel’s top priority over the release of captives. He stated, “The war has a supreme goal, and the supreme goal is victory over our enemies, and this we will achieve.”
Families of the captives have accused Netanyahu of undermining previous attempts to reach a truce and swap deal. Some believe his refusal to compromise reflects political motives aimed at ensuring the survival of his far-right coalition government, rather than genuine concern for the captives.
Source; Al Jazeera
