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Israel: Mass protests demand hostage release deal as families plead with Trump to intervene

Thousands of Israeli protesters block highways demanding Netanyahu reach hostage release deal with Hamas, as families appeal to Trump for mediation.

Israel: Mass protests demand hostage release deal as families plead with Trump to intervene
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Since the early morning hours of Tuesday (26.08), protesters have blocked major roads and highways across many areas of Israel, demanding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reach an agreement with Hamas that would secure the release of the hostages. The mobilizations were coordinated by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which is demanding the government secure the return of captives and the remains of those prisoners who have lost their lives.

Israel: Hostage families ask Trump to mediate

Additionally, hostage families are asking US President Donald Trump to mediate to achieve a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, to “pave the way” for the return of approximately 20 living hostages still held in the Gaza Strip. On this matter, the American president stated yesterday, Monday (25.08.2025) that “in the next two to three weeks, we will have a definitive end in Gaza,” while emphasizing that the US has made serious diplomatic efforts in this direction.


Social media is widely circulating images of protesters who blocked traffic on major highways with fires and debris, including the coastal road north of Tel Aviv, which connects the Israeli capital with Haifa. Today’s mobilization day (26.08.2025), proclaimed by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, began at 6:29 a.m. (Israel time), the exact moment when on October 7, 2023, Hamas launched its deadly attack, leaving 1,200 dead behind.

Protesters have already unfurled Israeli flags outside the US embassy in Tel Aviv

Protesters have already unfurled Israeli flags outside the US embassy in Tel Aviv, while major roads throughout the country have been blocked. Protest marches are expected to take place across the country, while the demonstrations will conclude with a massive protest rally at Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square.

Meanwhile, families of Hamas hostages as well as former captives of the extremist Palestinian Islamist organization who have been released are harshly criticizing the Israeli prime minister for his stance.

Einav Zangauker, mother of Matan Zangauker, who was kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, 2023, stated characteristically: “For 690 days, the government has been waging war without a clear objective. Now, it’s clear that Netanyahu fears one thing, popular pressure. We could have ended the war a year ago and brought all the hostages and soldiers back.”

She then added: “We could have saved hostages and soldiers, but the prime minister chose, again and again, to sacrifice civilians for the sake of his governance.”

Ruby Chen, father of Itay Chen, demands that the Netanyahu government prioritize the release of hostages still held in the Gaza Strip and achieve an agreement immediately, while making a related appeal to the US president: “President Trump, you stated yesterday that you believe in two, three weeks we will complete this episode. We pray to God that this is correct and that you have set a deadline for Israel’s prime minister to ensure this will be the end. You committed to us, the hostage families, when you met with us, that you would bring them all back to their homeland. Now is the time to take action and make it happen.”

Dalia Kusnir, sister-in-law of hostage Eitan Horn, told BBC Radio 4 that the goal of the demonstrations is to pressure Netanyahu to sign an agreement with Hamas: “We simply want the 50 hostages back to their homeland, that’s all.”

“Netanyahu is the only prime minister who has brought back living hostages. Now he must do the right thing,” she added.

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