Protests in Israel: Netanyahu faces accusations of failing to secure release of hostages
Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu (photo: Getty Images)
In Israel, protesters took to the streets in several cities ahead of the anniversary of Hamas attacks. Israelis are demanding more urgent actions to rescue hostages held in Gaza, reports CNN.
Protests reportedly took place in Tel Aviv, Caesarea, Beersheba, Jerusalem, and other locations where relatives of hostages called for their release amid the escalating conflict in the region.
According to social media footage, the Ayalon Highway in Tel Aviv was blocked. The demonstration in Caesarea occurred outside the private residence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
CNN quoted several protesters, including Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan is among the 101 hostages still held in Gaza. Speaking at the gates of Begin in Tel Aviv, he stated that hostages remain in Gaza due to Netanyahu's actions.
"Netanyahu does not want to bring back the hostages. Even if the war in the north ends, Netanyahu wants the war in the south to continue," he said, referring to Israel's conflict with Hezbollah along the northern border.
He further claimed that wars provide Netanyahu with political benefits, allowing him to maintain power.
Dani Elgarat, whose brother Itzik is one of the hostages, accused the Israeli prime minister, asserting that a year has passed during which hostages have become pawns in Netanyahu's war for personal survival.
Meanwhile, in Carmei Gat, Liat Atzili Benin, one of the hostages released in November, acknowledged that mourning for loved ones on the anniversary of the attacks is complicated by disagreements over the country's future direction.
"Souls are bruised, anger is high, and a sense of helplessness is paralyzing," she added.
On Monday, October 7, it will be exactly one year since Hamas's incursion into Israel. The Guardian reported that ahead of the anniversary, Israeli military operations are being expanded, and preparations are underway for a significant and serious response to last week's large-scale rocket attack from Iran.
