Protesters block Tel Aviv’s ring road, demand hostages’ release, and criticize government handling of war
Tensions in Israel rose as protesters blocked Tel Aviv’s ring road following two demonstrations criticizing government’s approach to ongoing conflict and urging release of hostages
Tensions soared in Israel’s largest city on Saturday as protesters obstructed Tel Aviv’s ring road following two separate demonstrations decrying the government’s approach to the ongoing conflict and urging the release of hostages held in Gaza.
The unrest unfolded as law enforcement deployed water cannons to disperse demonstrators who had ignited fires and employed trucks to blockade both lanes of the expressway.
Meanwhile, in Jerusalem, hundreds congregated outside the residence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, clamoring for his resignation. Reports from Israeli media outlets indicated scattered anti-government protests across the nation.
Earlier in Tel Aviv, thousands convened to hear impassioned pleas from families of hostages abducted by Hamas militants during the Oct. 7 assault on Israel. Among them was Shira Elbag, whose 19-year-old daughter Liri was among those taken.
Elbag implored fellow citizens to intensify pressure on Netanyahu, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. “The time has come to go out and fight against indifference and for life,” she declared during an augmented weekly demonstration at what has been dubbed Hostages Square. “I ask you to come out with us into the streets and let us sound one united and clear voice: ‘Bring them home now!'”
Simultaneously, anti-government demonstrators congregated near the Ministry of Defense, attributing responsibility for the hostages’ plight to Netanyahu. Signs bearing his visage alongside the message “UR the boss, UR to blame” underscored their discontent.
Authorities labeled the demonstration illegal and denounced participants as “rioters” as they swarmed onto the ring road, halting traffic for over an hour.
Significantly, a considerable number of those rallying in solidarity with the hostages’ families also aligned themselves with the anti-government cause, observed a photographer on the scene.
The abduction on Oct. 7 by Hamas members resulted in approximately 250 hostages, with Israel estimating that 130 are still held in Gaza, including 33 presumed deceased.
Former hostage Raz Ben Ami, liberated in November following mediation by Qatar and Washington, appealed directly to Netanyahu to expedite negotiations for the captives’ release.
Addressing Netanyahu, Ben Ami implored, “Give the negotiators, due to convene in Cairo and Doha next week, a clear directive: ‘Do not return without a deal.'”
Elbag, a prominent figure within the Hostage Families Forum, reiterated the anguish felt by relatives, emphasizing the cessation of excuses after 176 days of captivity. “I haven’t closed an eye from the thoughts and fear of what Liri and the other hostages are going through,” she stated.
Source: AFP
