Demonstrators gathered on streets across Israel as part of the nationwide “day of struggle” events, during which they demanded an immediate cessation of the and the freedom of all remaining captives.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum displayed a sizable Israeli flag adorned with photos of hostages in front of the U.S. embassy in Tel Aviv on Tuesday. Reports indicated that throngs of demonstrators congregated outside the headquarters of ’s office in Jerusalem, while other activists organized road-block demonstrations, with one occurring near Habonim.
Although peaceful protesting was encouraged by the organizations advocating for action, certain demonstrations experienced unrest on roads north of Tel Aviv and on a highway near the town of Pardes Hanna-Karkur.
The protests concluded with a march through central Tel Aviv to a public square now designated Hostages Square, followed by a rally.
Holocaust survivors addressed the assembled crowds at Hostages Square, reiterating appeals for the liberation of those held captive in Gaza. Hamas seized approximately 250 hostages when it launched a terror attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Of the estimated 250 hostages, 140 have been released through negotiations, eight have been successfully rescued, and the remains of 57 who died in captivity or during rescue attempts have been recovered. It is believed that 20 living hostages are still being held by Hamas and other militants.
“Israel is united. The people of Israel stand for the hostages… Today, on day 690 [of the Israel-Hamas war], we insist that the Israeli government finalize an agreement and free all the hostages,” stated Yehuda Cohen, the father of hostage Nimrod Cohen, in a press release provided to TIME by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.
The forum additionally conveyed its “disappointment” after reports circulated that Netanyahu would not be discussing a cease-fire agreement at a security cabinet meeting on Tuesday evening.
“It is profoundly disheartening that on the precise day when numerous Israelis demonstrate, calling for the return of all hostages and a cessation of the conflict, the government persists in hindering advancement on the agreement, counter to the public’s desires,”.
Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a key facilitator in the negotiations between Israel and Hamas, asserted on Tuesday that Israel to a cease-fire proposal that was presented last week.
TIME has sought a statement from Netanyahu’s office.
Netanyahu and his administration are encountering increasing international scrutiny and censure due to Israel’s expanded military actions in Gaza City, which are occurring amidst a U.N.-supported report.
Global leaders, among them U.S. President Donald Trump, and humanitarian agencies collectively denounced the at the Al Nasser hospital in Gaza on Monday, an incident that resulted in at least 20 deaths, including five journalists and medical personnel.
A statement released by Netanyahu’s office indicated that Israel “profoundly regrets the unfortunate incident” and that the nation “appreciates the efforts of journalists, medical personnel, and all civilians.” Military authorities are reportedly undertaking a “comprehensive inquiry” into the events.
The International Committee for the Red Cross (ICRC) described the strikes as “intolerable,” urging that “healthcare facilities, non-combatants, journalists, and emergency personnel be safeguarded.”
The conflict between Israel and Hamas began when Hamas initiated a terror assault on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, resulting in over 1,200 fatalities and the capture of approximately 250 hostages. More than 62,000 Palestinians have died since the war commenced, according to the .
Without independent on-site verification, the ministry serves as the main provider of casualty statistics, which are utilized by aid organizations, reporters, and global entities. Its reported figures do not distinguish between non-combatants and combatants and cannot be confirmed independently by TIME. Information from the IDF indicates a.