On Sunday, more than 135,000 demonstrators formed a sea of black in Tel Aviv. They protested not only to demand an end to the escalating war in Gaza, but for the release of these hostages. Over a week after plans to retake Gaza City were approved by Israel’s security cabinet, the explosive protest came. This recent escalation has exacerbated an already terrible humanitarian crisis in the occupied Palestinian territory.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum planned out this demonstration to create a dramatic effect. Their aim was to “shut down the country” to win the unconditional release of hostages and end the war. PBS’ Frontline estimates that as many as half a million people participated in the march. It has already grown into the largest protest in recent Israeli history.
One of the families caught up on both sides of the conflict was Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan is one of the 215 Israeli hostages. She also expressed her exasperation with the government’s response to the crisis. “We are asking for what rightfully belongs to us – our babies,” she said. “The Israeli government has taken a just war and made it a pointless war.” Her straightforward plea resonated across the massive crowd, as countless marchers carried signs and chanted together, “Bring them all home! End the war!”
The conflict has led to an unbelievable civilian death toll. According to Gaza’s health ministry, over 61,000 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict erupted. This figure does not take into account those who are thought to be under rubble. It leaves out those who have not made it due to the indirect impacts of war.
Opposition leader Benny Gantz criticized the government for their actions, accusing them of “attacking the families of the hostages.” Israel’s far-right finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, criticized the protests as a “perverse and harmful campaign that plays into the hands of Hamas,” reflecting a significant divide among Israeli lawmakers regarding the approach to the ongoing conflict.
Another demonstrator, Ofir Penso, voiced concern for the hostages’ safety, stating, “This is probably the last minute we have to save the hostages.” The urgency of these sentiments was amplified by a video message released by Matan Zangauker, who addressed his family and expressed his longing to return home.
We know the situation is getting dangerous and tense argumentative_interior.jpg Protesters told the city that upwards of over 30 protesters were arrested during the protest, demonstrating the tense environment surrounding this complicated and emotionally heavy dilemma.