Families of Israeli hostages join forces with anti-government demonstrators in fiery Jerusalem protests, demanding an immediate end to the Gaza war—even if it means leaving Hamas in power.
Jerusalem woke up to chaos on Wednesday morning as families of Hamas-held hostages and anti-government activists launched a three-day protest campaign, demanding that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government end the war in Gaza immediately—even if Hamas remains in power and able to regroup.
The epicenter of the unrest is the Knesset and the Prime Minister’s residence on Azza Street, where protesters lit garbage cans ablaze to form a “ring of fire” around Netanyahu’s residence. Organizers said the flames symbolized the desperation and fury of families whose loved ones remain in captivity.
Parallel demonstrations erupted as early as 6:29 a.m. outside the private homes of several government ministers, amplifying the pressure on Israel’s leadership.
The protesters’ message is stark: bring the hostages home at any cost—even if it means halting Israel’s mission to eliminate Hamas. The demonstrations come amid intensifying debates inside Israel over whether continuing the war will secure long-term safety, or doom more soldiers and hostages.
