NIR OZ, Israel — Gathered near the Gaza border, families of Israeli hostages called out across the fence Sunday, hoping their captive loved ones could hear their cries of support as they demanded an immediate deal for their release.
The demonstration came a day after Hamas released another propaganda video featuring hostage Elkana Bohbot, 34, whose uncle Menashe Harush condemned the footage as "obscene." Harush and other relatives urged the government to secure the release of all hostages in a single agreement rather than through drawn-out phases.
“We don’t have time to wait; they need to get out of there,” Harush said. “We feel the situation isn’t good. We are worried. Every day is dangerous.”
On a makeshift stage, Yehuda Cohen, father of captive soldier Nimrod Cohen, delivered a blistering rebuke of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government.
“We know there’s no chance you’ll hear us 40 meters underground,” Cohen said, addressing his son, “but I’m directing these words at the one responsible for you being there—the criminally accused leader who funded Hamas.”
Accusing Netanyahu of prolonging the war to cling to power, Cohen shouted, “He continues to fight at the hostages’ expense… with your blood, just to survive. Netanyahu, resign! You’ve failed—and that’s putting it mildly.”
In English, Cohen also appealed to former U.S. President Donald Trump, urging him to “force Netanyahu to end this bloody war… so we can bring our loved ones home.”
The rally underscored growing frustration among hostage families as negotiations stall and Hamas continues to exploit psychological warfare with staged videos of captives. With no breakthrough in sight, protesters vowed to escalate pressure until a deal is reached.
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