War supporters advocate for an end to the conflict in Gaza as Israel considers implementing a revised strategy
In the heart of Jerusalem, a rally was held with a poignant message: "We will bring them back." The protesters, including Pepe Alalu, a former deputy mayor of the city and a well-known figure of Jerusalem's left wing, gathered outside Netanyahu's office, holding Israeli flags and portraits of the hostages still held captive by Palestinian militants in Gaza.
The focus of their rally was the 50 hostages who, as of mid-2025, remain in captivity in Gaza. The majority of these hostages were abducted by Hamas and allied Palestinian militants during the 7 October 2023 attacks. Among these, approximately 20 are believed to be still alive.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has been a constant voice for the hostages' immediate and unconditional release, advocating for humanitarian access to provide medical care, food, and family contact since October 2023. The ICRC president has met with hostage families and publicly urged their release, maintaining dialogue with parties who might influence outcomes.
Various ceasefire agreements in the ongoing Gaza conflicts have facilitated the return of over 148 hostages by mid-2025, through negotiated releases and military rescues. The United Nations and international bodies, including the Security Council, have repeatedly called for unconditional release as a precondition for further political progress. Arab states have notably endorsed these positions for the first time regarding Hamas.
However, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, complicating efforts for hostage welfare and release negotiations. Severe malnutrition and food shortages afflict the civilian population, including children, which international agencies warn may further impact the hostages’ conditions and prospects.
Sharon Kangasa-Cohen, a historian, called for an end to the war to bring the hostages home. Sharon Cunio, whose husband David is still held in Gaza since Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack, and Arbel Yehud, whose partner Ariel is also still in captivity, also attended the rally. Both Cunio and Yehud held a banner with photos of their partners that read: "Bring back our loved ones."
Alalu stated that he couldn't stay away from the protest and emphasized the need to save the hostages. He believes that Israel has lost its moral compass in the ongoing conflict. Kangasa-Cohen expressed concern that if Gaza is retaken or reoccupied militarily, the hostages' lives would be in greater danger.
The protesters' goal is to end the suffering of all parties involved in the conflict, including Gaza residents, soldiers, families, and Israeli society. As the international community continues its efforts to secure the hostages’ unconditional release and mitigate their plight in a worsening humanitarian context, the hope for a peaceful resolution remains a beacon of light in the midst of darkness.
- The rally outside Netanyahu's office, focused on the hostages captured by Palestinian militants in Gaza during the 7 October 2023 attacks, called for their immediate and unconditional release, with Sharon Kangasa-Cohen joining the protesters to emphasize the need for an end to the conflict in Gaza to bring the hostages home.
- The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has long advocated for the welfare and release of the hostages in Gaza, acting as a constant voice for their rights, providing medical care, food, and family contact since October 2023, and maintaining dialogue with parties who might influence the situation.
- In addition to the 148 hostages previously returned, the ICRC and international bodies, including the Security Council, have repeatedly urged for ceasefire agreements to facilitate further hostage releases, citing dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza that complicate efforts to ensure the hostages' well-being and safety.
