As the Israel-Gaza conflict reaches its 600th day, families of hostages held by Hamas are staging protests across Israel, calling for urgent action to secure the release of their loved ones. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces mounting pressure, with accusations that his government has failed to prioritize the lives of hostages, including Matan Angrest, who was kidnapped by Hamas.
Families of the 251 hostages were behind the protests. Their actions convey the emotional toll and desperation these mothers, grandmothers, and mothers-turned-warriors continue to feel for their loved ones still in capture. All of this changed dramatically on October 7, 2023. In stunning attacks on October 7, Hamas stormed across the border, resulting in the horrific murder of approximately 1,200 Israelis. Israel responded with a campaign of collective punishment that has resulted in the deaths of over 54,000 Palestinians, most of whom were civilians.
One of the most well-known speakers at the demonstrations has been Anat Angrest, the mother of Matan Angrest. As a mother in grief, she shared her heartache and frustration with the world, calling upon the government to prioritize bringing home returned hostages.
“I want to turn here to every mother and father: imagine standing next to me, giving everything for the state and the homeland, but being abandoned and forgotten. It can unfortunately happen to every one of us.” – Anat Angrest
The families have called for Netanyahu’s administration to put an agreement for the release of the hostages above military goals. They assert that members of his coalition, such as Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, are more focused on territorial ambitions in Gaza than on saving the hostages.
Arbel Yehoud, a freed hostage who spoke at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, emphasized the critical choice facing the Israeli government:
“The Israeli government stands before a single choice: saving lives or abandoning them.” – Arbel Yehoud
Speaking at a rally in Tel Aviv, former hostage Keith Siegel moved the audience with his story. He read into the record a statement from the families affected by the armed conflict.
“600 days we are without our loved ones, 600 days that Hamas is holding them captive, and the bloody Israeli government is abandoning them to maintain the integrity of their coalition.” – Keith Siegel
The families of hostages being held by Hamas have publicly criticized Netanyahu’s incompetence and failure to lead and have demanded his resignation. They claim that the administration cares more about its political survival than promoting humanitarian concerns. As a result, their loved ones are being wilfully “sentenced to death.”
Protests have broken out in cities around the country. In every city, local families fight back, forcing their complacent and untrustworthy government to move. They can’t wait for their loved ones to come back. They just want peace and hope to reverse the protracted and devastating conflict.