Families and allies of individuals abducted on October 7 in Israel transformed their regular demonstration into a solemn vigil on Saturday. They honored the memory of a hostage whose remains were found in Gaza earlier in the week. The distressing news had stirred widespread outrage among attendees at a nearby anti-government rally
On Saturday, the Israeli military announced that it had recovered the body of Elad Katzir, aged 47, from Khan Younis and brought him back to Israel. Mr. Katzir was abducted by the militant group Islamic Jihad from the Nir Oz Kibbutz. During his captivity, he had been featured in two videos. The Israeli military stated that he died in January at the hands of his captors, although this claim could not be independently verified.
Esther Buchstab, the mother of Yagev Buchstab, 34, who was abducted from Kibbutz Nirim on October 7, expressed her anguish during a vigil in Tel Aviv on Saturday evening. She described the past six months as a nightmare and urged the state to spare no effort in reaching a deal to bring back the captives for rehabilitation and the deceased for burial
In Democracy Square, thousands of demonstrators rallied against the government, urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to secure the return of over 130 hostages still missing since October 7.
Every Saturday, families of the abducted individuals have arranged demonstrations in a public square close to the Israeli military headquarters in Tel Aviv, aiming to push the government into negotiating for the return of their loved ones. These gatherings frequently coincide with protests against the government.
In Cairo on Sunday, Israeli officials are engaging in discussions with representatives from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States to revive talks on a hostage agreement that have remained at a standstill for months. President Biden is exerting pressure on the participants to reach a consensus that results in an “immediate cease-fire” and the safe return of the hostages