Israelis' protest outside IDF headquarters in TelAviv marks 400 days since hostages’ abduction

Thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv for a protest outside the IDF’s Tel Aviv headquarters to mark 400 days since hostages were taken by Hamas from southern Israel on October 7, 2023.

The demonstration comes amid renewed calls for the government to negotiate a deal and as Qatar announced a halt in its mediation efforts between Israel and Hamas, international media outlet reported.

Families of the captives led the rally outside the IDF’s Tel Aviv headquarters, with demonstrators holding signs reading “400 days too many” and “Hostage deal now.”

Attendees called on the government to prioritise the safe return of the hostages, an issue that has drawn criticism over its handling in the months since the abductions.

This weekend’s rally was the first major protest since Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu removed Defence Minister Yoav Gallant from office. Gallant had previously advocated for a hostage ceasefire agreement, a position that brought him into conflict with others in the government.

The demonstrators demanded a renewed focus on negotiations, with protest signs calling it “the shame of Netanyahu.”

In a rare public appearance, German ambassador Steffen Seibert addressed the crowd in Hebrew, expressing frustration that some in Israel’s government do not prioritise the return of hostages as their primary goal.

Seibert highlighted the continued captivity of individuals with dual German-Israeli citizenship, saying, “We want them back.”

Demonstrators, frustrated by Qatar’s announcement that it would step back as a mediator, also criticised the Israeli government’s lack of urgency. “This decision by Qatar is proof there is no seriousness here. Deals are being sabotaged,” said 62-year-old Ruti Lior, whose family member remains captive.

Several speakers, including actor Lior Ashkenazi, who regularly leads the rallies, drew parallels between the October 7 attack and the Kristallnacht pogrom, underscoring the emotional toll the hostage crisis has taken on families. Niva Wenkert, the mother of hostage Omer Wenkert, urged attendees to remain steadfast in their calls for action, asking, “How much more blood must be shed before we bring our children home?”

Qatar has served as a key mediator between Israel and Hamas, hosting Hamas leaders in Doha with support from the United States. However, the talks have repeatedly stalled since a brief truce in November 2023, with both sides blaming each other for the lack of progress.

On Saturday, Qatar’s foreign ministry said it would withdraw until both sides show “willingness and seriousness” in negotiations.

Over the past year, Hamas has released several captives in temporary truces, but 97 remain held, with ongoing efforts yet to secure their release.

The protesters’ weekly demonstrations across Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Beersheba reflect a persistent public pressure on Netanyahu’s administration to pursue a deal.

As the protest continued into the evening, large signs reading “400 days disgrace Netanyahu” were spread along the streets, as demonstrators renewed their calls for action and resolution.

Since Israel launched its military invasion on Gaza on October 7, 2023, the situation has deteriorated rapidly, with over 43,500 Palestinians reported killed and tens of thousands more wounded.

Israel's actions have drawn widespread international condemnation, with accusations of war crimes and genocide.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is currently reviewing a case against Israel for its actions in Gaza, as critics argue that the disproportionate force used in its attacks violates international law, particularly the Geneva Conventions.

Reports from the UN have highlighted that over 80% of civilian casualties in Gaza resulted from Israeli airstrikes on residential buildings or similar structures. Another recent UN report has highlighted that 70 percent victims of the Israeli attacks on Gaza have comprised women and children.