Thousands of Israelis took to the streets to demand the release of hostages still held in Gaza, marking 500 days since the October 7 Hamas attack. Demonstrators in Tel Aviv urged the Israeli government to finalise a hostage exchange deal and uphold the ceasefire agreement with Hamas. (PICS/AFP)
Updated on : 20 February,2025 12:40 PM IST | Compiled by : Anisha Shrivastava
The protest, which began as a birthday vigil for hostage Alon Ohel, escalated after Hamas postponed the scheduled release of captives, citing Israeli non-compliance. Protesters blocked traffic near the Israeli Defence Ministry, setting fires and chanting slogans demanding immediate action from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Many demonstrators accused the Israeli government of sabotaging the deal, shouting that Netanyahu was responsible for wrecking the agreement. The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza has led local authorities to call for increased international pressure on Israel to implement ceasefire provisions and allow essential aid into the enclave.
Hamas claims it has fully met its obligations under the ceasefire deal, while accusing Israel of violating four key conditions, leading to the delay in hostage releases. The fragile truce, in effect since 19 January, consists of three phases, with the first stage requiring the release of 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
The latest scheduled exchange was postponed by Hamas’s armed wing, Al-Qassam Brigades, until Israel fulfils all terms of the agreement. The war in Gaza has resulted in over 48,000 deaths and widespread destruction, with international bodies continuing to scrutinise Israel’s actions.
The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes in Gaza. Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice, further increasing international legal pressure on the government.
