Half a million people protest against the government in Israel

Fifty thousand people have gathered in Israel to demand the release of hostages and an end to the war in Gaza. On Sunday evening (August 17), they gathered in Tel Aviv’s ‘Holder Square’ and surrounding streets to demand a unified agreement to release hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip and to stop the war. The Jerusalem Post reported that the mass rally was held a day after a nationwide strike and road blockade. The rally was organized by the Forum of Families of Hostages and Disappeared. Businesses across the country were also closed. Several members of the hostage’s family spoke on stage at the mass rally. Ofir Braslovsky, the father of hostage Rom Braslovsky, said, “Two weeks ago we received indications that Rom was alive. Rom is hungry, abused and scared. This war must stop, the neglect must stop.’ Ainav Jangaukma, the mother of hostage Matan Jangauk, said, ‘My heart is burning for Matan. We want an end to the war through a comprehensive and immediate agreement. We will continue our demand until our children return.’ The hostage families thanked the people of Israel for participating in the rally. At the same time, they announced that the program to return the hostages would be intensified. Meanwhile, Hamas expressed anger over Israel’s plan to forcibly remove Palestinians from Gaza City to the southern region. The Palestinian armed group claims that if this plan is implemented, a new genocide will begin in the area and many people will be displaced.

Source: The Jerusalem Post