Massive protests erupted across Israel on Sunday following the deaths of six hostages in Gaza, as public frustration mounted over the government’s inability to secure a ceasefire deal that could ensure the release of more Israeli captives.
An estimated 500,000 demonstrators gathered in cities like Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, demanding that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intensify efforts to bring home the remaining 101 hostages. Israeli officials believe a third of the hostages have already died.
In Jerusalem, protesters blocked streets and assembled outside Netanyahu’s residence, while in Tel Aviv, aerial footage showed the city’s main highway packed with demonstrators holding flags with images of the slain hostages. Israeli television aired scenes of police using water cannons on protesters who were blocking roads, and local media reported 29 arrests.
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Labor leaders announced a one-day general strike for Monday to press the government for action. Meanwhile, the Israeli military confirmed it had recovered the bodies of six hostages from a tunnel in Rafah, southern Gaza. The victims were identified as Carmel Gat, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Eden Yerushalmi, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi, and Ori Danino. Military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari informed reporters that the hostages had been executed by Hamas with multiple gunshot wounds inflicted at close range, 48 to 72 hours earlier.
Under growing pressure, Netanyahu asserted that Israel would continue its efforts to bring those responsible to justice, stating, “Whoever murders hostages does not want a deal.”
In response, senior Hamas officials blamed Israel’s refusal to engage in ceasefire talks for the deaths. Sami Abu Zuhri, a senior Hamas representative, told Reuters, “Netanyahu is responsible for the killing of Israeli prisoners. The Israelis should choose between Netanyahu and the deal.”
Israel’s military offensive in Gaza followed attacks by Hamas and other fighters on October 7, which killed around 1,200 people and resulted in approximately 250 hostages being taken. Since then, Israel’s operations have devastated large parts of Gaza, which is home to 2.3 million people. According to Gaza’s health ministry, over 40,000 Palestinians have been killed. The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to worsen, with displaced residents facing poor living conditions and food shortages.
