Israeli hostage families block major roads and organize protests demanding government action for the release of 50 remaining captives in Gaza.
Israel woke up this Tuesday morning to nationwide gridlock as hostage families and their supporters blocked major roads, lit bonfires, and demanded the government “bring everyone home” without delay.
The southern Ayalon Highway in Tel Aviv was shut down, along with key arteries including Highway 1 and 443. Police arrested one protester in Tel Aviv after a smoke grenade was found in her possession. By late morning, authorities confirmed traffic had resumed across the country.
Demonstrators carried signs vowing not to relent until all 50 remaining hostages in Gaza are freed.
At Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv, Einav Zangauker, mother of captive Matan Zangauker, accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of deliberately blocking a deal.
“Netanyahu, why are you dragging your feet?” she demanded. “This government is waging a war without a clear goal.”
Hagit Chen, whose son Itay is among the missing, warned: “The people are with us. The power is in our hands. We cannot be ignored.”
Protests also spread to the homes of senior ministers. Crowds gathered outside Education Minister Yoav Kisch’s residence in Hod Hasharon and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar’s in Ness Ziona.
In Tel Aviv, MK Gilad Kariv (Labor) declared:
“Without this protest, there would have been no previous deals. We will shake the country until the hostages are home.”
This is the second consecutive week of coordinated strikes and protests led by hostage families. Last Sunday, nearly half a million people filled Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv, demanding the government end the war in Gaza and negotiate for the hostages’ release.
The movement shows no signs of slowing. Families insist their campaign will continue until the government reaches a deal, or faces a paralyzed country.
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