In Israel, tens of thousands of protesters for the release of hostages and against the government

The demonstrations in several cities across the country come after the bodies of six hostages were found in the Gaza Strip. In Tel Aviv, protesters blocked a highway.

It is the largest gathering in Israel since October 7, 2023. For several kilometers, in Tel Aviv, Sunday, September 1, a street flooded with Israelis, heartbroken, the feeling of having been betrayed, abandoned by their government, explains Michal. “My heart breaks for the families of the hostages. It hurts to think that these six hostages and many others could have returned long ago. I have no confidence in my government.”

This mobilization comes after the Israeli army announced Sunday the discovery of the bodies of six hostages in the Gaza Strip, the scene of a devastating war that has pitted Israel against the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas for almost eleven months. For Michal, a change in policy is essential. “I think we need to change the government, this government needs to resign, especially the prime minister. That’s my main message tonight, resign and let other people who I think are more sensible, lead the country and manage this very special situation. I think the main problem in Israel right now is its leader. He doesn’t think about the people, he doesn’t care about the people. So I would really like to see other leaders!”

“Murderer government”, “Deal now”, These are some of the slogans brandished by the demonstrators alongside photos of the hostages still held by Hamas for almost eleven months. Aviva Siegel was one of them, freed during the agreement last November. She left behind her husband, Keith. “I lived through hell there. A hell that my husband is still living through, as well as the other hostages, for almost a year now.” At his side, his daughter.”It’s like Russian roulette. We don’t know what’s going to happen. Only eight hostages have been rescued by military operations and more than 100 hostages have returned with a deal. I don’t understand how our government can’t see this simple logic: to bring people home alive, you need a deal.”