Thousands of demonstrators blocked a main thoroughfare in central Tel Aviv in front of the army headquarters on Saturday evening, October 12, urging the far-right Israeli government to reach a deal with Hamas to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza. Earlier on Saturday, protesters blocked Tel Aviv’s Ayalon Highway and lit tires on fire to form the words, “Sorry we were taken hostage, ” and police arrested five demonstrators.

Families of hostages held captive in Gaza, among them Einat Zangauker (second from left) and activists against the far-right government block the Ayalon Highway in Tel Aviv during a protest calling for the hostages’ release, October 12, 2024 (Photo: Erik Marmor/Flash90)

Einat Zangauker, the mother of a hostage in Gaza – Matan, lit a torch outside the Kirya headquarters and apologized to her son for the situation in which “a year has passed, and we still haven’t succeeded in causing the government to bring a [hostage] deal.” While you languish in the tunnels, the defense minister, the IDF chief of staff and the prime minister say on every stage that we have overpowered Hamas’s military wing. But they are not willing to end the war in Gaza and bring you back.” Danny Elgarat, whose brother Itzik is being held captive, accused Netanyahu of not wanting a hostage deal. “He wants to protect his reign, and he’s willing to sacrifice you all for his personal interests,” he said.

“Netanyahu: You say you have atoned for your sins. You cannot atone for sins that were committed on purpose. You are knowingly neglecting them. You know military pressure endangers them. There will be no forgiveness,” said Yifat Kalderon, whose cousin Ofer Kalderon is being held in Gaza.

In addition, hundreds of demonstrators held a rally in Caesarea Saturday evening outside Netanyahu’s private residence, chanting, “No forgiveness.” They gathered and lit up a message forming the words, “We will not forgive,” and “The neglecter is finished.”

Related: https://maki.org.il/en/?p=32158