Israeli police dispersed demonstrators who had been protesting for more than 24 hours outside the private residence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, demanding a deal for the release of hostages.
According to The Times of Israel, the protesters — including families of abducted Israelis — had planned to remain for another night as a sign of opposition to Israel’s ongoing ground offensive in Gaza.
Footage from the scene showed border police officers removing demonstrators from the sidewalk near Netanyahu’s home.
One protester shouted while being pulled away: “You will sleep well tonight — you won’t hear Ariel, you won’t hear David,” referring to brothers Ariel and David Kuni, who were abducted by Hamas on October 7, 2023, and remain in captivity.
The protesters had also held a press conference outside Netanyahu’s residence before police set up barriers and tarpaulins around the property.
Family members of hostages voiced sharp criticism of government policies. Makabit Meir, aunt of kidnapped twins Gali and Ziv Berman, accused Israeli forces of putting the captives at risk: “On whom are you bringing down all these buildings? Maybe you’re collapsing them on Gali and Zivi, and on all the souls still there — living and dead.”
Hana Cohen, aunt of slain hostage Inbar Haiman, called on the government to act immediately: “We will no longer allow nor agree to leave even a single hostage behind.”
The demonstration underscored growing public anger in Israel, as families of the kidnapped continue to pressure the government for a comprehensive deal to secure the release of hostages.
