Thousands of demonstrators congregated in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square for a poignant rally on Saturday evening, featuring prominent American and European diplomats along with renowned Israeli popstars. Simultaneously, a nearby anti-government protest turned violent as police clashed with protesters, including bereaved families and those advocating for the hostages’ release.
During the anti-government protest, Gadi Kedem, who lost six family members on October 7, alleged being assaulted by a right-wing activist. Police arrested two suspects, and Kedem was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid condemned the attack, calling for immediate action from authorities to halt violence against bereaved families and hostage relatives.
In Hostages Square, the international rally organized by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum sought to garner global attention and pressure Hamas into releasing the 128 hostages it still holds in Gaza.
The rally featured speeches from hostage families, foreign diplomats, and musical performances by Israeli artists, including Eurovision stars Netta Barzilai and Eden Golan.
Pre-recorded messages from figures like former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and ambassadors from Austria, Germany, the US, and the UK underscored international support for Israel and efforts to secure the hostages’ release.
Yael Alexander, mother of Edan Alexander, a dual American-Israeli citizen held by Hamas, expressed her anguish, while Rachel Goldberg-Polin, mother of American-Israeli hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, thanked foreign ambassadors for advocating for all hostages.
The rally served as a poignant reminder of the ongoing plight of hostages and the global efforts to secure their safe return.
