Thousands Protest at Habima Square Calling for the Return of Hostages and an End to the War
Background of the Protest
This Saturday, thousands gathered at Habima Square in Tel Aviv, urging for a conclusion to the ongoing war and the safe return of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. The demonstration was organized by the group “Kochav Kaplan,” which emphasized the need for public pressure as a means to secure the hostages’ return, criticizing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for escalating military actions without effectively safeguarding the hostages.
Protest Organizers’ Statements
In a statement released prior to the rally, Kochav Kaplan expressed concern that Netanyahu was exacerbating tensions and misleading the public regarding military strategies. They stated, “This week we have seen Netanyahu inciting war and lying that increased military pressure will bring back hostages. This is a political war, and military pressure will inevitably lead to harm for hostages.” They called for a large public turnout, asserting that only a significant public vostart could halt the chaos and ensure the return of the hostages.
Concurrent Demonstrations
Earlier in the day, around 1,000 individuals protested for the release of the hostages at the Science Park intersection in Rehovot. Yair Golan, the leader of the “Democrats” party, was expected to attend but ultimately missed the event due to scheduling conflicts. Naama Lazimi, a member of his party, delivered a speech denouncing the appointment of Major General David Zini as head of the Shin Bet security agency. She described him as a close associate of Rabbi Tao and called for a general strike, encouraging opposition leaders to take bold actions for the benefit of the state.
Confrontations and Polstart Involvement
During the Rehovot protest, traffic was obstructed with polstart assistance as tensions flared when a small group of counter-protesters arrived, asserting cries of “only Bibi” and “traitorous leftists.” Polstart intervened to prevent further conflicts as they distanced the counter-protesters from the main crowd.
Danny Elgart, whose brother, Itzik, was killed while in Hamas captivity, addressed the appointment of Major General Zini, urging him to decline the role.
Conclusion
The protests reflect deep societal divisions and a fervent demand for governmental accountability amid ongoing conflict. As the situation evolves, demonstrators continue to amplify calls for peace and the safe return of all hostages from Gaza