Over 100,000 Israeli settlers demonstrate in Tel Aviv demanding hostage deal, end to Gaza war

JAFFA (TEL AVIV), Oct. 05 (YPA) – “Kikar HaAtzmaut” Square in the heart of  occupied Jaffa (Tel Aviv) witnessed one of the largest demonstrations in Israeli entity since the beginning of the war, as more than 100,000 settlers, according to Hebrew media estimates, gathered Saturday evening.

The massive protest demanded an immediate end to the war on Gaza and the swift conclusion of a comprehensive prisoner exchange deal to secure the return of all hostages held by Hamas.

Organized by the “Political Forum of Hostage and Missing Families,” this immense demonstration comes at a politically sensitive moment, marked by escalating internal disputes within the Netanyahu government and warnings about the ramifications of continued military operations on the hostages’ fate, coinciding with the resumption of indirect talks in Cairo.

Demonstrators waved Israeli flags and carried banners reading “Deal Now, Not Tomorrow” and “Don’t Leave Anyone in the Field.” This scene reflects a shift in Israeli public opinion, which is beginning to prioritize the rescue of the hostages over achieving the so-called “military victory,” amid sharp criticism of the Zionist government’s handling of the file.

The square featured emotional speeches by relatives of the hostages, who warned that every day without a deal endangers their loved ones. They expressed their frustration with the government’s slow pace in negotiations, demanding the adoption of the currently proposed agreement, which is supported by international mediation.

YPA