Thousands of Israelis took to the streets of Tel Aviv on Saturday, voicing strong demands for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to a ceasefire with Hamas. The protests aimed to secure the release of over 130 Israeli hostages being held in Gaza. As the demonstrators rallied, Hamas officials were engaged in critical discussions with Egyptian and Qatari mediators in Cairo, exploring potential terms for a ceasefire.
The timing of the protest is particularly poignant, occurring just ahead of Yom HaShoah Holocaust Remembrance Day, which is observed this year on May 6. The demonstrators, which included relatives and supporters of the hostages, expressed a collective urgency, emphasizing that all possible measures should be taken to ensure the safe return of their loved ones.
The call for peace comes as the war in Gaza is nearing the completion of its seventh month, during which the international community has increasingly pressured both sides to halt the fighting and negotiate a settlement. The ongoing conflict and the plight of the hostages have become central issues in Israel, resonating deeply with the public and adding to the growing calls for a resolution.
