JERUSALEM. Israel witnessed massive protests on Sunday as news broke that six hostages held in Gaza were found dead. The demonstrations, driven by growing frustration over the Israeli government’s failure to secure a ceasefire deal that would free all remaining captives, saw up to 500,000 people take to the streets in cities including Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
In Jerusalem, protesters blocked major streets and gathered outside the residence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, demanding immediate action to rescue the 101 remaining hostages. Tel Aviv’s main highway was flooded with demonstrators holding flags and banners bearing images of the deceased hostages.
Israeli police, to disperse the crowds, deployed water cannons on protesters who had blocked key roads. Local media reported that 29 people were arrested during the confrontations.
The Israeli military announced that the bodies of the six hostages—Carmel Gat, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Eden Yerushalmi, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi, and Ori Danino—were recovered from a tunnel in Rafah, a city in southern Gaza. According to Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, a military spokesperson, the hostages were “murdered by Hamas terrorists in a number of shots at close range” approximately 48 to 72 hours before their bodies were found.
Netanyahu, under increasing pressure to negotiate an end to the nearly 11-month-long conflict, vowed that Israel “will not rest until those responsible are caught.” He added, “Whoever murders hostages—does not want a deal.”
In response, senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri blamed Israel for the deaths, stating, “Netanyahu is responsible for the killing of Israeli prisoners. The Israelis should choose between Netanyahu and the deal.”
The ongoing conflict began on October 7, when Hamas and allied militants launched attacks on Israel, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the capture of about 250 hostages. Israel’s subsequent military offensive has devastated much of Gaza, with the enclave’s health ministry reporting at least 40,738 Palestinian fatalities. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has left displaced residents struggling with inadequate shelter and widespread hunger.
As tensions rise, Israeli labor leaders have called for a one-day general strike on Monday to pressure the government into securing a ceasefire. Arnon Bar-David, head of Israel’s Trades Union Federation, announced that Ben Gurion Airport, the country’s main air transport hub, would be closed from 8 a.m. (0500 GMT) in support of the strike.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and opposition leader Yair Lapid have also urged the government to pursue an agreement. Meanwhile, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a hardline member of Israel’s security cabinet, has requested that the attorney general block the strike in an attempt to prevent further unrest.
The Hostage Families Forum issued a statement calling on Netanyahu to take responsibility for the delays in signing a ceasefire agreement, which they believe contributed to the recent deaths of the hostages. “The six hostages brought home on Sunday were all murdered in the last few days, after surviving almost 11 months of abuse, torture, and starvation in Hamas captivity. The delay in signing the deal has led to their deaths and those of many other hostages,” the forum stated.
While Netanyahu’s office reported that he had expressed “deep sorrow” to the family of Alexander Lobanov, the family of Carmel Gat refused to engage with the prime minister. Instead, they urged the public to intensify their protests. “Take to the streets and shut down the country until everyone returns. They can still be saved,” Gat’s cousin, Gil Dickmann, wrote on social media platform X.
U.S. President Joe Biden expressed his anger and sorrow over the deaths, particularly of 23-year-old Israeli American Hersh Goldberg-Polin. “Hamas leaders will pay for these crimes. And we will keep working around the clock for a deal to secure the release of the remaining hostages,” Biden stated. He also expressed cautious optimism about reaching a ceasefire agreement, despite the ongoing challenges in the negotiations mediated by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt.
Hamas negotiator Khalil Al-Hayya, speaking to Al-Jazeera, reiterated the group’s stance, insisting that no agreement would be signed unless Israel fully withdrew from Gaza, including key strategic areas like the Philadelphi and Netzarim corridors, which have been major sticking points in the talks.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
