Families of Israeli captives held in Gaza have announced plans for mass demonstrations across Israel on Saturday to pressure the government into securing a deal that guarantees their return, even if it requires ending the war.
In a post on X, the families said "dozens of rallies and protests will be held nationwide to demand the hostages' return," adding that the main demonstration is planned to take place in Tel Aviv, central Israel.
The families are urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s extremist government to prioritise releasing the captives — alive and dead — from Gaza, even if it means halting the genocide on the Palestinian enclave.
The protests coincide with growing dissent over Netanyahu's war policies. Palestinian Hamas group has declared its readiness to immediately begin "comprehensive package negotiations" to release all Israeli captives in exchange for a permanent ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.