Since the October 7 massacre, hundreds of Israelis were taken hostage by Hamas and were held captive in the Gaza Strip. While many of the hostages have either been freed, rescued, or killed, many still remain in captivity. The hostage deal is a hypothetical agreement between Israel and Hamas that would see the hostages, living and dead, released from captivity back to Israel.
Such a deal was implemented in the early days of the war, in November 2023, where many hostages were released over the course of a few days. A much longer one was implemented in early 2025, which saw many hostages released from captivity in exchange for the release of high numbers of Palestinian security prisoners.
The former defense minister said there was no question that returning the hostages needed to take priority over destroying Hamas.
Hundreds of Gazans march in rare anti-Hamas protest • Katz, Zamir meet to work in cooperation following public clash
“It gives them strength—they talk about how Israel will destroy itself from within, and that’s what empowers them," Omer Shem Tov said.
Israel sees its largest protests since Oct. 7 as war, judicial crisis, and hostage concerns fuel unrest.
Among other threats and manipulations, hostage families were told that if they spoke out, their family member who was held hostage would turn into a symbol.
The greatest danger in our history—and today—is the danger from within: corrupt leaders who prioritize their own interests over the good of the country.
The war in Gaza is not over. There are still 59 hostages held by Hamas. Israel’s enemies remain emboldened.
Families of hostages urged the government not to return to war.
Tens of thousands gathered across protest centers in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and across Israeli cities in a call to preserve Israeli democracy and to release the hostages remaining in Hamas captivity.
Witkoff also praised Netanyahu for his efficiency in decapitating Hezbollah and Hamas but noted his decisions to continue fighting heavily opposed Israeli public opinion.
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