Thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv on Saturday evening to advocate for an agreement to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza, just two days ahead of a scheduled meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington.
As they assembled in the Hostages Square, demonstrators held up a large banner that read, “Bring all hostages home now.”
Leeshai Miran Lavi, the spouse of Omri Miran, who remains captive in Gaza, stated, “The only way to prevent a descent into despair is through a comprehensive agreement that ends the war and brings all hostages and soldiers back home.”
Directly addressing the U.S. President, she urged him to leverage his influence over Prime Minister Netanyahu, emphasizing that “extending this war only puts Omri and the other hostages at greater risk.”
Ronen Ohel, whose brother is still held in Gaza, also called on Netanyahu to reach a truce agreement.
He remarked, “No messages, no statements, no delays. There is an opportunity right now; it is time for you to choose to be a leader.”
In contrast, far-right Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir cautioned Netanyahu against making any deal.
In a post on X, he stated, “Mr. Prime Minister, you do not have a mandate to end the war without defeating Hamas completely.”
Netanyahu, who no longer holds an absolute majority in the Knesset, relies on support from far-right allies.
These allies oppose any agreement with Hamas for the release of hostages, advocating instead for the continuation of the war until the group is eradicated, following its attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which ignited the current conflict.
The assault resulted in the deaths of 1,219 individuals in Israel, primarily civilians, according to reports from the French News Agency based on official figures.
Out of 251 individuals abducted during the Hamas attack, 47 remain in captivity in Gaza, including 25 that the Israeli military claims have perished.
The Israeli military campaign in Gaza has led to at least 65,926 casualties, predominantly civilians, as reported by the health ministry associated with Hamas, which the United Nations regards as credible.