Thousands of demonstrators rallied in Israel on Saturday to demand that the federal government safe the discharge of 49 hostages nonetheless held in Gaza, AFP reporters stated.
It was the primary rally by hostages’ kin since Israel agreed a ceasefire with Iran on June 24 after a 12-day struggle, elevating hopes that the truce would lend momentum to efforts to finish the Gaza battle and convey the hostages dwelling.
Emergency restrictions in place through the struggle with Iran had prevented the usually weekly rally from happening.
A crowd stuffed “Hostages Square” in central Tel Aviv, waving Israeli flags and placards bearing the images of Israelis seized by Palestinian fighters throughout Hamas’s October 7, 2023 assault on Israel.
The lethal assaults prompted Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to launch a fierce army offensive in Gaza, vowing to crush Hamas and free the hostages.
Twenty months and several other hostage exchanges later, 49 of these seized are nonetheless held in Gaza, together with 27 the Israeli army says are lifeless — elevating stress on Netanyahu’s authorities.
“The war with Iran ended in an agreement. The war in Gaza must end the same way — with a deal that brings everyone home,” stated the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, the principle physique representing the kin, in an announcement to mark the rally.
Some demonstrators referred to as on US President Donald Trump to assist safe a ceasefire in Gaza that may see the captives freed, hailing his backing for Israel within the battle with Iran.
“President Trump, end the crisis in Gaza. Nobel is waiting,” learn one placard, in reference to a doable peace prize for the US chief.
“I call on Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump,” one launched hostage, Liri Albag, stated on the rally.
“You made brave decisions on Iran. Now make the brave decision to end the war in Gaza and bring them home.”
Source: www.anews.com.tr