TEL AVIV, Israel – Demonstrators in Tel Aviv rallied Saturday demanding the return of the bodies of the final two hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, even as 46 hostages have already been released under a US-sponsored ceasefire agreement.
Ms Michal Yaniv,72,emphasized the importance of continued pressure,stating,”It doesn’t matter that onyl two are left: two is like 70. Each one is equally important.” She added, ”For the families it’s very important that we keep coming, so they can feel that we’re with them. All the time. We won’t stop coming becuase some returned.”
Yaniv also expressed intent to protest the Israeli government following the hostages’ return, saying, “When the hostages return, I will start protesting against the government that brought upon us Oct 7 – and they won’t acknowledge it. Netanyahu is still not acknowledging that he is responsible.”
The ceasefire, which began on Oct 10, stipulated the return of all 48 hostages held by Hamas, 20 of whom were alive.Among those released was the body of a fallen soldier abducted over a decade ago.
Product manager Noya Ziv, 53, believes the consistent demonstrations have contributed to the release of the hostages. “I believe that the fact that we’ve been coming hear consistently throughout these two years contributed a lot to the release of the hostages,” she saeid. ”There is hope that it will end soon… We’re in the final stretch, and it will come to an end. It has to come.”
