‘Continue the Deal and Stop the War’, Protests All-Over Israel

Protests calling for a hostage deal, against Netanyahu’s government and for the end of the war, took place on Saturday evening, Jan 25, in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, Beer Sheva, Raanana, Ramat Hasharon, Herzliya, Carmiel, Petach Tikva, Nahariya, Umm el-Fahm and dozens of other locations across the country.

During the protests, activists and relatives of hostages hailing the week-old ceasefire that has so far seen the release of seven female hostages and urging the government to keep the ceasefire going through its second phase.

Einav Zangauker, mother of hostage Matan, who is not set for release in the first phase, called on far-right Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to “go out to the public and commit to implementing the deal in full,” adding: “The extremists in the coalition are threatening to dissolve the government and are demanding the renewal of the war. Don’t let that happen.” Yifat Calderon, whose cousin Ofer Calderon would also be released only in a future phase, said Netanyahu “must not let Smotrich and Ben Gvir, the extremists who want to bury the hostages, thwart the deal.” “It’s in Israel’s interest to end the war and bring everyone back,” she said.

“End this fucking war”, protesters again the war in Gaza at Hemed Junction near Jerusalem, January 25, 2025 (Photo: Black Flag Movement)

At the anti-government, pro-hostage deal protest in front of the Begin Street entrance to Israeli army headquarters in Tel Aviv, Shai Mozes, nephew of hostage Gadi Mozes, told a several thousand crowd that activists “must not be swept away by euphoria” after the release on Saturday morning of four female soldiers who held in Gaza for 477 days: Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy and Liri Albag. “We must remain alert,” said Mozes. “Even today there are ministers in the government and mouthpieces in the media devoting energy to thwarting the deal.” Mozes charged far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich “that is determined to sentence to death all the hostages who haven’t yet been saved.” After the demonstration on Begin Street wrapped up, a column of protesters marched on to Dizengoff Square, in the city center demanding the end of the war.

Protesters also rallied at Paris Square amd outside Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem, similarly, calling on his government to fully implement the deal. “Continue the deal, stop the war!” demonstrators chanted to the beat of drums.

Related: https://maki.org.il/en/?p=32392