For nearly two years, Tel Aviv’s ‘Hostages Square’ has been the heart of a powerful weekly protest. Thousands of Israelis have gathered every Saturday night, their voices unified in a single, urgent demand: ‘Bring them home, now!’
As another Saturday evening approached, many prepared to join the rally, clutching onto a fragile, yet profound hope that this assembly might, at last, be the final one needed.
A recently enacted cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which began Friday afternoon, promised the return of all living hostages from Gaza within 72 hours. Israeli officials estimate that 20 individuals remain alive in captivity.
The Hostages Families Forum, a leading advocate for a comprehensive hostage deal, declared their unwavering commitment: ‘Our struggle is not over and will not end until the last hostage returns home!’ They announced that the main Tel Aviv rally would commence at 8:15 p.m. local time.
The forum also expressed the nation’s collective sentiment, stating, ‘The entire nation holds its breath in anticipation’ of the captives’ return.
Organizers anticipated a massive turnout, with hundreds of thousands expected to fill Hostages Square and its adjacent thoroughfares. Parallel demonstrations were planned across Israel, notably in Jerusalem, close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s official residence.
Throughout the day, Hostages Square had seen a steady influx of people. Israeli media indicated that Steve Witkoff, the U.S. Mideast envoy, and Jared Kushner, a close advisor to President Trump, both instrumental in brokering the cease-fire, were slated to visit the square on Saturday.
The agreement also included provisions for the repatriation of deceased hostages. However, Israeli authorities noted that locating and returning the remains of those who perished in captivity within Gaza would likely be a more protracted process.
Officials reported that the remains of 26 hostages are believed to remain in Gaza, with the status of two others unconfirmed. These individuals are part of the approximately 250 people taken captive during the devastating Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, an event that claimed around 1,200 lives and triggered the ongoing conflict.
In the months leading up to this cease-fire, a growing sense of despair had settled among many Israelis, who questioned the effectiveness of the persistent weekly demonstrations in influencing governmental action.
Despite these doubts, countless individuals continued to attend, driven by a desire to keep the plight of the hostages at the forefront of public consciousness and to offer solidarity to the bereaved families, reassuring them of communal support.
The sustained protests eventually caught the attention of President Trump, who, in September, unveiled a peace proposal that laid the groundwork for the current cease-fire. He seemed receptive to the demonstrators’ appeals, noting their growing focus on his leadership as the key to their loved ones’ return, with numerous banners explicitly calling for his direct involvement.
During a White House appearance with Mr. Netanyahu late last month, as he outlined the proposal, Mr. Trump referenced the rallies, remarking, ‘They have my name up. They like me.’
He further noted the dual message from the crowds: ‘They say two things, please get the hostages back and please end the war. They’ve had it.’
These poignant Saturday gatherings typically include speeches from former hostages, recently freed during earlier cease-fires, and family members of those still held in Gaza. Israeli musical luminaries also often perform, adding a powerful emotional layer to the events.