Jerusalem: Hundreds of protesters, led by relatives of hostages held in Gaza, marched from the Knesset to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem on Wednesday, calling for an immediate ceasefire and urgent action to secure the release of their loved ones. The families also announced plans for two major rallies outside the premier’s home, the first scheduled for later this evening and the second on Saturday night.
Yehuda Cohen, whose son Nimrod remains in captivity under Hamas, addressed the crowd with a direct appeal to the government. “We are standing here with a very simple, straight and direct message: we want a ceasefire and a hostage deal, and this is his responsibility to do it,” he said, placing the burden squarely on Netanyahu’s shoulders.
Anat Angrest, mother of hostage Matan Angrest, criticized the ongoing expansion of military operations in Gaza. “The IDF chief of staff is saying in a clear voice that continuing the war is a death trap for soldiers,” she stated, emphasizing the human cost of escalation. Her comments resonated with many in the crowd who fear further civilian and military casualties.
Ofir Braslavski, father of Rom Braslavski, also held captive, recounted the anguish of seeing a video released by his son’s captors, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. “Unfortunately, my child is dying, starving. His eyes were saying that he no longer wants to be alive. There’s nothing worse than that, for a father to see his child in that state and not be able to do anything,” he said. He questioned the rationale behind Netanyahu’s military plans, asking, “How can it be that they’re keeping him there and the prime minister wants to occupy more land in Gaza?”
The protest highlights growing public tension over Israel’s military strategy in Gaza, with hostage families and supporters pressing the government to prioritize negotiations and humanitarian considerations over further territorial expansion. Authorities have not yet issued a response to the planned rallies, but the demonstrations signal a rising chorus of voices demanding accountability, transparency, and urgent measures to protect hostages and civilians alike.
As the situation in Gaza continues to unfold, the families’ protests underscore the personal stakes of the conflict, humanizing the broader geopolitical struggle and putting direct pressure on Israel’s leadership to act swiftly in pursuit of a ceasefire and resolution for those held captive.