[Thousands of people gathered on streets across Israel on the eve of a ceasefire deal with Hamas, awaiting the return of hostages held captive for 15 months in Gaza. In Tel Aviv, thousands of demonstrators gathered at “Hostages Square,” where families of captives have held rallies for over a year, calling for the government to negotiate the release of all hostages.
Luis Har, a former hostage held in Gaza for four months, expressed concerns about the well-being of those still trapped, saying, “They will return in a really difficult state. I hope we can give them all the love and all this embrace. It’s not just a physical hug, it’s the embrace of being with them and understanding them so that they can get used to their new life.”
Thirty-three Israeli hostages held by Hamas and its allies are expected to be released during the first phase of the ceasefire deal, which is set to last for six weeks. However, it is unclear if all of them are alive. Hamas and its allies still hold 94 of the 251 people taken from the October 7 attack on southern Israel, with at least 34 of those confirmed dead, although the true number is expected to be higher.
As the deal nears, anti-government protesters have also gathered in Tel Aviv and across Israel, calling for an end to the war and for Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to resign. “We want them back alive, not in coffins,” a crowd chanted as it marched through the streets. A mother of a held captive, Einav Zangauker, called on the nation to ensure the government “does not blow up this deal,” saying, “I’m calling from here to our beloved hostages – hear our voice, hold onto hope! Soon, you will all be home! We promise you!”
The “Pink Front,” a group of young artists and performers, shouted pro-democracy slogans to the beat of drums, calling for a comprehensive deal to bring back all hostages.
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