Anti-government demonstrations demand release of Gaza hostages ahead of Israeli Remembrance Day

CNN
—

Protesters took to the streets in several cities across Israel on Saturday to demand the release of all hostages held in the Gaza Strip ahead of Israel's Memorial Day.

They called for the resignation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and for early elections to be held.

Families of hostages held in Gaza also participated in anti-government protests in Tel Aviv, Caesarea, Rehovot, Haifa and other cities.

The protests came as Israel prepares for Memorial Day, which begins Sunday night.

Many waved Israeli flags and held placards with pictures of Israeli hostages, calling on the government to bring them home alive.

In the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, approximately 240 people were taken hostage and transferred to Gaza, leaving more than 1,200 dead. Just over 100 people were freed in November's release agreement, but the IDF believes there are still 132 hostages being held in Gaza, 128 of whom were captured on October 7. Still alive.

Among the participants in Saturday's protest was Yael Adal, the mother of Tamir Adal, who was abducted on October 7 and whose death was announced in January. All she wanted, she said, was to bring her son's body home so she could give it a proper burial.

“For 90 days we fought for Tamir to come home alive. For 90 days we fought for Tamir to come back to us, back to the bosom of his family, and that hope was lost to him. He disappeared with the news that he was no longer alive,” Adar told the gathering. .

“Since then, all we ask is that the Tamirs and all of the murdered hostages be brought back to be buried in this land they loved. To give the Tamirs the burial they deserve. To give us closure.” “To create a grave where he can give and be with his memory,” she added.

Hagit Chen, the mother of Itai Chen, who was killed on October 7 and whose body was taken to Gaza, said she wanted her son to be buried peacefully.

“I have been invited to participate in many Israeli National Day ceremonies, but the only one I should attend with my family and in memory of my son is the one the country allows me to participate in. It's a ceremony that we didn't have.'We have,'' Chen said.

“How much suffering can a person endure? I turn to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. It's time to bring them all back! The living should be rehabilitated and the dead should be treated with respect. He lived for a proper Jewish burial,” she added.

The protests came after Hamas' military wing, the al-Qassam Brigades, claimed that one of its Israeli hostages held in Gaza had died more than a month ago.

Military spokesman Abu Obaida said on Telegram that Nadav Popplewell, who was 51 years old when he was abducted, died from injuries sustained in an Israeli airstrike where he was being held. Ta.

“Due to lack of intensive treatment, his health deteriorated and he died,” Obaida said.

Popplewell, who holds dual British and Israeli citizenship, was abducted from Kibbutz Nirim on October 7, 2023. Her mother, Channa Peri, was also kidnapped but released on November 24 as part of a hostage deal. His younger brother Roy was murdered in October. 7.

The Israeli Prime Minister's Office told CNN that it is not known whether Popplewell is alive or dead. The Israel Defense Forces declined to comment.

The British Foreign Office said it was seeking further information about Popplewell.

“The UK Government has worked with partners across the region to secure the release of hostages, including British nationals. We will continue to do everything in our power to secure the release of hostages.” told CNN.