Tens of thousands demonstrate in Tel Aviv amid delays in the release of prisoners News of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict

A demonstration in what became known as “Hostage Square” to mark the 50th anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel.

An estimated 100,000 people demonstrated in Tel Aviv to demand the release of all prisoners held by Hamas, on the second day of the truce between the Palestinian movement and Israel.

On Saturday, friends and families of the prisoners and many supporters gathered in panic in what has become known to Israelis as “Hostage Square,” near the Defense Ministry, amid a delay in the release of the second group of Palestinian hostages and prisoners. .

“It is certainly the largest number we have seen since the start of this war,” Al Jazeera’s Sarah Khairat reported from Tel Aviv.

“One factor is the release yesterday [Friday]“They wanted people to come together and spread a message of hope, but also to say that they will continue these marches until all the prisoners are returned from Gaza,” she said, adding that there was a sense of “cautious optimism.” Among the demonstrators as they waited long hours to hear the news of the deal.

Hamas had postponed the release of the second group of prisoners, accusing Israel of violating the truce that began on Friday and is expected to continue for four days.

A Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman later announced that “obstacles have been overcome through Qatari-Egyptian mediation,” and the exchange is likely to take place on Saturday evening, when 39 Palestinians and 13 Israeli prisoners will be released, in addition to seven foreigners. .

“People felt more relieved to know that this issue was now resolved and that they would see more of it [the captives] Khairat said: “Release us.”

The event in Tel Aviv also marks 50 days since the October 7 attack by Hamas on southern Israel, in which about 1,200 people were killed, according to Israeli officials.

The Israeli air and ground attack on Gaza since then has killed more than 15,000 Palestinians, including more than 6,000 children.

On Friday, Hamas released 24 prisoners, and Israel released 39 Palestinian women and children detained in its prisons.

“The return of the hostages is the biggest prayer of all,” the Times of Israel reported.

“With Hanukkah coming, we will be lighting many candles during this dark time. Our hearts are broken to see them all home.”

Many people at the march were wearing “Send Them Home” T-shirts and carrying signs with the names and pictures of the prisoners.

Alon Hadar, whose grandmother Jaffa was released by Hamas on Friday, told the Israeli newspaper Haaretz: “It gives us hope that everyone will return, but we know that we have to fight for everyone’s release.”

“My grandmother wanted to come here tonight, but we thought it was too early – but I’m sure she’s watching us now and she’s proud of us all,” Hadar said.

Israelis have taken to the streets every weekend by the thousands in the past few weeks to pressure Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying the government is ignoring their pleas to prioritize bringing their loved ones home.

Druze community leaders who attended the march on Saturday received a warm welcome and enthusiastic applause from the audience.

Protesters also gathered in front of one of Netanyahu’s private residences in Jerusalem, demanding his immediate removal from office.

💥In Jerusalem, angry demonstrators demand the immediate ouster of Netanyahu outside one of his private residences in Jerusalem. (Reuven Gaffney Shechtman) pic.twitter.com/FNbuXrVlxL

— Noga Tarnopolsky Najat Tarnopolsky Noga Tarnopolsky💙 (@NTarnopolsky) November 25, 2023