Protesters in Israel slam PM for neglecting hostages

In a powerful display of anguish and frustration, families of hostages held by Hamas and activists blocked Tel Aviv’s Ayalon Highway on Yom Kippur, accusing the Israeli government of neglecting their loved ones.

The demonstrators lit tires to spell out the words “Sorry we were taken hostage,” calling for the immediate release of those abducted during attacks on October 7, 2023.

Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, is a day traditionally set aside for atonement and repentance.

This year, however, it became a platform for protest and grief as activists, alongside families of the hostages, demanded action from the government to secure the release of those still held captive.

Their message was clear: the government has failed them, and no forgiveness can be offered for that neglect.

The protests, which unfolded throughout the day, were organized by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.

This group, which represents the relatives of the hostages, coordinated prayers at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, where hundreds gathered to reflect on the tragedy.

At the same time, many blamed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government for prioritizing political survival over the urgent need to bring the hostages home.

Among the demonstrators was Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan has been held in Gaza since the October 2023 attacks.

At a press conference, Zangauker lit a torch outside the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) headquarters, apologizing to her son.

“A year has passed, and we still haven’t succeeded in causing the government to bring a [hostage] deal,” she lamented. Her voice, filled with a mixture of anger and sorrow, reflected the sentiment shared by many at the protests.

Other speakers echoed Zangauker’s frustration. Danny Elgarat, whose brother Itzik is also being held captive, accused Netanyahu of deliberately stalling negotiations for a hostage deal.

“He wants to protect his reign, and he’s willing to sacrifice you all for his personal interests,” Elgarat said. His statement underscored the growing perception that Netanyahu’s focus on political survival has come at the expense of the captives' lives.

Yifat Kalderon, another protester whose cousin Ofer is among the hostages, directly addressed the government’s failure.

“You say you have atoned for your sins. You cannot atone for sins that were committed on purpose. You are knowingly neglecting them. You know military pressure endangers them. There will be no forgiveness,” she said.

Many of the demonstrators pointed to Israel’s ongoing military campaign against Hamas as a reason for the lack of progress in securing the hostages’ release.

While the government claims to have weakened Hamas militarily, it has been unable to finalize a deal to bring back the remaining captives.

Military invasion in Gaza have been cited as complicating efforts to reach an agreement.

At least 200 Palestinians have been killed as Israel’s military siege of northern Gaza extends into its ninth day, leaving tens of thousands trapped amidst a ground invasion and relentless drone strikes.

The humanitarian situation is worsening as food and water supplies dwindle.

In southern Lebanon, Israel bombed the main commercial market in Nabatieh, causing major destruction.

Rescue teams are working to control a massive blaze and search for survivors.

Israel’s air force has expanded its attacks beyond what it claims to be 'Hezbollah strongholds', targeting civilian areas, including a 100-year-old mosque in a border village.

Meanwhile, wounded Israeli soldiers are being airlifted to hospitals in northern Israel after intense battles with Hezbollah.

The ground invasion continues as the conflict escalates.

In Gaza, Israeli attacks since October 2023 have claimed the lives of at least 42,175 people and injured 98,336.

In Israel, the October 7, 2023 attacks killed 1,139 people, with over 200 taken hostage

Out of the 251 hostages taken, 97 remain in captivity.

This includes the bodies of at least 34 individuals confirmed dead by the IDF.

Despite some progress—Hamas released 105 civilians during a weeklong truce last November, and several hostages were rescued—families say it is not enough.

Attempts to broker a new deal have repeatedly stalled as the Israeli government shifts its attention to military conflicts with Hezbollah in Lebanon.

The protests in Tel Aviv were mirrored by demonstrations in Caesarea, where hundreds gathered outside Netanyahu’s private residence.

Holding Israeli flags and banners emblazoned with the slogan “We will not forgive,” protesters lit fires to form the words “The neglecter is finished.”

They accused the prime minister of willfully neglecting the hostages’ plight since the day they were captured.

Despite the passionate calls for action, the future remains uncertain for the families of the hostages.

As Israel continues its military operations, and negotiations with Hamas remain stagnant, families fear that time is running out.

On Yom Kippur, a day of atonement and reflection, the message from the protesters was clear: without decisive government action, there can be no forgiveness for the lives left behind.