Thousands Protest in Israel Demanding Permanent Ceasefire and Prisoner Exchange in Gaza

Kokcha News Agency: In the heart of Tel Aviv, Begin Street and Habima Square were flooded with protesters demanding an end to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The demonstrations, led by families of Israeli prisoners and activists, focused on securing a permanent ceasefire and the release of all Israeli captives held in Gaza.

Yotam Cohen, brother of Israeli soldier Nimrod Cohen, criticized the current ceasefire proposal, which only lasts for 60 days and includes the release of about half of the Israeli prisoners in stages. Cohen accused far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich of pushing Israel into a “religious war,” stating, “We must not allow terrorists Ben-Gvir and Smotrich to sacrifice more soldiers and condemn more prisoners to death for their illegal settlements and messianic agenda.”

Einav Zangauker, mother of captive Matan Zangauker, urged the government to reach a deal that would end the attacks on Gaza and ensure the release of all prisoners. Meanwhile, reserve medic Itai Shteinmetz, addressing the crowd at Habima Square, criticized the leadership, saying, “The leaders think we are here to fight forever for their seats, but they are completely wrong.”

In a separate protest on Kaplan Street, over 400 demonstrators held a “silent vigil” for the children killed in Gaza during Israel’s renewed attacks after the ceasefire was broken on March 18. Protesters carried pictures of the children, highlighting the human cost of the conflict.