“We are at the end of our tether!”: demonstrations in Israel to demand elections and the release of hostages

Rallies in support of the families of hostages held in Gaza and against the Israeli government took place this Saturday in Jerusalem. Other actions are already planned.

Protesters hold signs during a gathering of relatives of Israeli hostages held in Gaza since the October 7 attacks by Hamas militants, outside the Defense Ministry in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv, March 30 2024. AFP - JACK GUEZ

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With our correspondent in Jerusalem

,

Michel Paul

“

Elections now

 ”, “

 We are at the end! We are going to set the whole country on fire

 ,” cried the families of the hostages held in

Gaza

since the October 7 attack in despair. In total, several thousand people gathered in Tel Aviv,

Jerusalem

and several other cities with the aim of stepping up their fight to obtain the release of their loved one.

The Israeli Prime Minister was directly targeted by the crowd because it was

Benyamin Netanyahu

who prevented the return of the hostages, relatives of the hostages still claim. “ 

We think we need elections now. The government has lost public trust. He is responsible for this war. The polls show it. And we must therefore return to the polls. It’s clear

 ,” said Efi Shoham, one of the organizers of these demonstrations.

A new election whose outcome would however be uncertain, as political scientist Menachem Klein explains. “

 It is not obvious that the opposition will win future elections. Netanyahu will fight. But what is certain is that elections are needed after such a catastrophe. What happened on October 7, but also the war crimes committed by

Israel

in Gaza

 ,” he explains.

The demonstrators were more determined than ever, blocking roads and forcing police roadblocks. And all this on the eve of what promises to be one of the largest rallies against the government and for early elections.

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