Protesters across Israel took to the streets on Saturday night, demanding the government accept a hostage deal on what marks 400 days since the October 7 Hamas attacks.
Thousands demonstrated across Tel Aviv, as well as hundreds in Jerusalem, which saw three protesters arrested near the Prime Minister’s Residence.
101 חטופים בשבי חמאס כבר 400 יום | אלפים מפגינים בכיכר החטופים ומול שער בגין, מאות בירושלים; הפגנות גם בחיפה, באר שבע, אילת, הוד השרון, צומת שער הנגב, קריית גת ויישובים נוספים@galdjerassi @ShaniRami @ShaIsrael2 pic.twitter.com/QWYZUj5rjh
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A rally marking the hostages in captivity for 400 days was also held at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, with families of those held captive noting that they’ve “run out of words” in frustration for lack of a deal that would see their release. Opposition Leader Yair Lapid and National Unity Party Leader Benny Gantz also arrived at the demonstration in Hostages Square, Maariv reported.
"The thought of 400 days in hell in Gaza breaks the heart, is mind-boggling," Gantz said. "The Israeli government must stop messing with politics, evasion, and do everything to return the hostages."
Additional protests
There was also a demonstration for a hostage release deal in Eilat, with protesters seen on the southern city’s promenade.
Protests were also held in Netanya and Hadera. Hundreds of demonstrators were also seen at the Karkur junction near Pardess Hanna, calling for a “deal now,” and one person was arrested, Ynet reported.
Also at the Karkur Junction, a man was arrested during that demonstration on suspicion that he hit a protester with his car, leaving the victim lightly wounded, Ynet reported.
Another protester was arrested in Haifa, where there was a demonstration at Sefer Square, according to Israel Police. Police stated that demonstrators were "violating public order," which led to the protester attacking officers, police noted.