600 Days of Hostage Crisis: Families Demand Action in Emotional Gaza Protests

Families of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza held a demonstration on May 28, 2025, marking 600 days since the start of the conflict. The protest took place in several locations across Israel, with participants demanding the immediate release of the hostages and an end to the war. Boaz Zalmanovich, whose relative Arye Zalmanovich was killed, stated, "This government is the worst and most cruel in Israeli history." The protests occurred hours after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's appearance in his corruption trial where he denied the existence of a famine in Gaza. The demonstration included a large sand art display on a beach reading "58 600 SAVE THEM NOW" representing the number of hostages and the duration of the conflict. One young protester held a sign that read, "Stop your wars! Get everybody home!" The event highlights the growing pressure on Netanyahu and underscores the human cost of the conflict.