(CNN)– Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Caesarea, Raanana and Herzliya on Saturday, demanding the release of all hostages held in Gaza and the removal of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from office.
Demonstrations on Kaplan Street in Tel Aviv also called for general elections to be held immediately, with one banner reading “Elections Now!”
Another sign read: “No one is leaving! We will march to Jerusalem and stay there until the government is dissolved.”
In a separate rally held in Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square, survivors of Hamas captivity called on the Israeli authorities to immediately return all hostages held in Gaza.
Freed hostage Aviva Siegel, wife of Keith Siegel, who is still detained in Gaza, called on the Israeli authorities to “take responsibility” and make more efforts to release her husband and other hostages held by Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza.
Siegel said during her speech at the demonstration: “I ask you – the Chief of Staff, the Prime Minister, the Minister of Defense – I am dying here! Do you understand that? We are dying inside here!”
Siegel, 62, was one of 17 hostages released by Hamas on the third night of the temporary truce on November 26.
The headquarters of the Hostage Families Forum said in a statement on Saturday that the meeting will be held next week in Jerusalem.
The statement explained: “Next week we will move to Jerusalem, in front of the Knesset, where the struggle for the release of the hostages will take place!”
Many supporters of the hostage march continue their march through the streets of Tel Aviv.
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2024-03-30 20:23:29