In what organizers described as an “endless sea of protesters,” mass demonstrations erupted across Tel Aviv and other cities on Sunday. This surge of anger and grief followed Israel’s military announcement that six hostages taken by Hamas had been found dead in Gaza.
While protesters hold Hamas accountable for the deaths, they also criticize Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his handling of the crisis, claiming he has failed to secure a ceasefire deal for the hostages.
Scenes from Sunday’s widespread protests include a massive demonstration in Tel Aviv, where organizers reported it as the largest since the war began. The crowds chanted “We won’t abandon them” and honored the six hostages by repeating their names.
“We will keep fighting until every hostage is brought home,” declared one speaker from the stage.
A group of protesters stood behind a mock cemetery constructed from cardboard cutouts, displaying a sign that read “named after Benjamin Netanyahu,” assigning blame to him for the hostages’ deaths.
One protester told CNN that she attended the demonstration to honor her cousin, whose body was returned by the Israel Defense Forces overnight.
Holding a photo of Carmel Gat and starting to tear up, Yael said, “This girl is the daughter of my friends. I come here every week to show her father and other parents that we stand with them. At the same time, we are deeply angry at the government. Their actions are unforgivable.”
When asked if she believes the protest will lead to change, she admitted she isn’t very hopeful. “The fact that no change has come so far shows how oblivious our leaders are,” she said.
“Bibi is focused on retaining his position; everything he does is just to hold onto his power,” she added, referring to Netanyahu by his popular nickname. “I think he’s scared, though he shows no emotion or empathy. He’s neglected them.”
Meanwhile, thousands of protesters gathered in Be’er Sheva for the largest demonstration there since October 7, according to protest organizers.
In Ra’anana, about 12 miles north of Tel Aviv, police were reported to have used pepper spray on protesters. One speaker was heard in a video urging the crowd to “drink some water and return to the intersection to continue protesting.”
Earlier in the day, another video showed protesters burning what appeared to be tires on Road 2, north of Tel Aviv.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum has called for a nationwide “halt” in response to the news of the killed hostages and is urging pressure on the government to secure the release of the remaining hostages before they are also killed.
In response, the country’s largest labor union has announced a nationwide strike, stating that “the entire Israeli economy will shut down” today.
Israeli strikers and protesters demand Gaza deal after six hostages killed
