Calls for Release of Gaza Hostages Echo in Anti-Government Demonstrations Before Israel's Memorial Day
Demonstrators flooded the streets in various Israeli cities over the weekend, urging for the freedom of all captives in Gaza prior to the nation's Memorial Day commemoration.
Protesters in various cities in Israel rallied on Saturday, calling for the freedom of all hostages in Gaza before Israel’s Memorial Day. They also urged for the resignation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and for early elections to take place.
Families of hostages held in Gaza joined anti-government protests in various cities such as Tel Aviv, Caesarea, Rehovot, and Haifa.
These protests coincide with Israel's preparations to observe Memorial Day starting Sunday evening.
Many people at the rally were seen waving Israeli flags and holding signs with pictures of the Israeli hostages, urging the government to bring them back safely.
It was reported that around 240 individuals were kidnapped and taken to Gaza during the attack by Hamas on October 7, which resulted in the tragic loss of over 1,200 lives. In November, a release agreement led to the freedom of just over 100 hostages. However, the Israel Defense Forces suspect that there are still 132 hostages being held captive in Gaza, with 128 of them taken on the same day of the attack. It is feared that out of those 128, only 92 hostages are still alive.
Among those who participated in the protests on Saturday was Yael Adar, the mother of Tamir Adar. Tamir was taken on October 7 and sadly, his passing was confirmed in January. Yael expressed her simple wish to be able to give her son a proper burial by bringing back his body.
During a rally, Yael shared, "For 90 days, we held onto hope for Tamir's safe return. It was 90 days of longing for him to come back to us, to be with his family again. But our hopes were shattered when we received the heartbreaking news of his passing."
Israeli mounted police deploy during a rally calling for the release of hostages held in Gaza outside the defense ministry headquarters in Tel Aviv on May 11, 2024.
Israeli mounted police deploy during a rally calling for the release of hostages held in Gaza outside the defense ministry headquarters in Tel Aviv on May 11, 2024.
"We just want to bring Tamir and all the other hostages who were killed back to their beloved land for burial. We want Tamir to have a proper burial and for us to have closure, to have a place where we can remember him," she said.
Hagit Chen, the mother of Itay Chen, expressed her desire to bury her son in peace after he was killed on October 7 and his remains were taken into Gaza.
Chen shared her disappointment, stating that despite being invited to participate in various ceremonies for Israel's Remembrance Day, the only ceremony she truly belongs in is one that the country has not allowed her to have with her family and in memory of her son.
"How much more suffering can one person endure? It's time to bring them all back, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The living need rehabilitation and the fallen deserve a respectful Jewish burial," she urged.
According to Hamas, the hostage passed away a month ago.
The protests occurred at the same time as an announcement from the Al Qassam Brigades, the military arm of Hamas. They stated that one of the Israeli hostages being held in Gaza had passed away over a month ago.
According to Abu Obaida, the spokesperson for the military wing, Nadav Popplewell, who was 51 years old at the time of his abduction, had succumbed to injuries sustained during an Israeli airstrike on the location where he was being kept.
“His health condition deteriorated and he died because he did not receive intensive medical care,” Obaida said.
CNN's Max Foster speaks with Gideon Levy, a columnist for Haaretz newspaper, about the clashes in Tel Aviv between police and the families of hostages held in Gaza
CNN's Max Foster speaks with Gideon Levy, a columnist for Haaretz newspaper, about the clashes in Tel Aviv between police and the families of hostages held in Gaza
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Clashes occurred between the police and families of Israeli hostages in Gaza. Popplewell, who holds dual British-Israeli citizenship, was taken from Kibbutz Nirim on October 7, 2023. His mother, Channah Peri, was also kidnapped but was freed as part of a hostage agreement on November 24. Tragically, his brother Roi was killed on the same day.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office informed CNN that they were unsure of Popplewell's status. The Israel Defense Forces chose not to provide any comments.
The United Kingdom’s Foreign Office mentioned that they are currently looking for additional information regarding Popplewell.
The UK government is collaborating with partners in the region to secure the release of hostages, including British nationals. They are committed to doing everything possible to ensure the safe return of these hostages.
Editor's P/S:
The article highlights the ongoing anguish and desperation of families whose loved ones remain captive in Gaza. The protests, coinciding with Israel's Memorial Day, serve as a poignant reminder of the human toll behind the conflict. The mothers of slain hostages express their heartfelt desires for proper burials and closure, while the announcement of another hostage's death adds to the collective grief.
The Israeli government faces mounting pressure to address the issue and bring about the release of all hostages. The families' pleas for early elections underscore their dissatisfaction with the current leadership's handling of the situation. The international community, particularly the UK government, plays a crucial role in supporting the hostages' families and working towards their safe return. The article underscores the need for continued efforts and cooperation to resolve this humanitarian crisis.
