Jerusalem (EFE).- Around 60,000 people gathered Saturday in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square to demand a ceasefire deal that would bring home Israeli captives held by Hamas. The protest swelled following the release of disturbing videos showing two emaciated hostages, intensifying public pressure on the Israeli government.
The demonstration, organized by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, drew one of the largest crowds in recent weeks.
The surge followed video releases by Hamas showing hostages Evyatar David, 24, and Rom Braslavski, 21, visibly malnourished and pleading for their lives.
“The humanitarian aid meant to ease suffering in Gaza must also reach Evyatar, Guy, and all the other hostages,” said Ilay David, Evyatar’s brother, addressing the crowd. “We cannot allow Hamas to control life and death with such unrestrained barbarity.”
Ilay accused Hamas of conducting a “calculated, horrific hunger experiment” by deliberately starving the hostages for propaganda purposes.
He made an emotional appeal to world leaders, including United States President Donald Trump: “You have the power. You must use all necessary means to save Evyatar, Guy, and the rest.”
A spokesperson for the Hostages Forum said public pressure is key: “We believe the voices of the families and the people can move decision-makers, in Israel and beyond.”
Calls for Netanyahu to change course
Rom Braslavski’s father, Ofir, also took the stage to confront Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s strategy.“Enough already. The phased-deal approach has failed. A leader must make decisions,” he said.
The three videos, which emerged over three consecutive days, show David Braslavski digging what appears to be his own grave and pleading for food and freedom.
Braslavski appears crying, whispering that he is starving and asking for food aid to be allowed into Gaza.
According to the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, about 20 Israeli hostages are believed to still be alive, along with the remains of around 30 others who died in captivity.
Negotiations stalled as Gaza hunger crisis deepens
Hamas and its armed wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, frequently release hostage videos during sensitive phases of ceasefire negotiations to exert psychological pressure on Israel.
Talks are currently stalled, though United States envoy Steve Witkoff is in Israel to revive dialogue.
The videos were published amid a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where food shortages have reached critical levels.
Israel has severely restricted the entry of aid for months, with a total blockade from March 2 to May 19.
While some aid is now entering, humanitarian groups say it remains woefully insufficient. EFE
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