On December 14, 2024, thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv to demand the immediate return of hostages taken by Hamas during the deadly attack of October 7, 2023. Demonstrators called for a ceasefire and fresh elections, urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to step down. Protesters carried banners reading “Stop the War” and “Bring Them Home” while chanting slogans against the government. Many expressed frustration, accusing the leadership of prioritizing political survival over citizens’ needs.
The war, now in its second year, has left Gaza devastated. Following the Hamas attack that killed over 1,200 Israelis and kidnapped more than 250 hostages, Israeli forces launched a massive offensive by air, sea, and land. According to Gaza authorities, the military campaign has killed nearly 45,000 people, mostly civilians, displaced almost the entire population, and reduced much of the enclave to rubble.
The protest marks 435 days since the hostages were taken. Among those demanding action was Omri Lifshitz, whose father, Oded Lifshitz, remains captive. "We hope for a deal this month. The hostages are waiting for us to save them," he said. Others criticized the government for handling negotiations poorly, arguing that partial deals leave many hostages behind and prolong the suffering.
Efforts to mediate a truce and secure a hostages-for-prisoners exchange have gained momentum. Talks led by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States are reportedly progressing, with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi holding discussions with U.S. officials about potential terms for a ceasefire and prisoner exchange.
As protesters continue to demand change, the pressure on Netanyahu’s government grows. The call is clear: an end to the war, a deal for the hostages, and a new direction for Israel’s leadership.
Read next
08:20
Israeli troops intensified operations in the U.N.-monitored buffer zone between Syria and the Golan Heights, responding to ongoing security threats and strategic changes following the recent ousting of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
19:36
Relatives of Israeli hostages and activists of the women protest movement took to the streets of Tel Aviv on December 17, to call for an immediate ceasefire deal which will see the release of all 100 hostages in Gaza amid reports on both Israeli and Palestinian new efforts to forge a new deal.
20:46
Israeli troops have entered the buffer zone between Syria and the Golan Heights following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime.
14:01
A UN resolution calling for peace in Gaza has been overwhelmingly approved by 158 countries, drawing attention to the ongoing humanitarian crisis. However, the decision has sparked sharp criticism from nations like the US and Israel.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment