Israeli hostage families protest outside PM's residence in Jerusalem as Gaza City ground op commences

Following the reports of intensified IDF activity in Gaza City on Monday night, protesters associated with the Hostages and Missing Families Forum gathered outside the Prime Minister’s Residence in Jerusalem, blasting the decision to start the operation, calling it a “sacrifice of the hostages.” 

A statement released by the Forum warned about the danger to the Israeli hostages, while accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of launching the new ground campaign for political reasons. 

"After 710 nights of being held captive by terrorists, tonight could be the final night for hostages who are barely surviving, and our last chance to locate and recover the deceased for dignified burial," the statement read. 

"The prime minister consciously chooses to sacrifice them on the altar of political considerations, while completely avoiding the position of the chief of staff and the security officials," the statement continued. "Netanyahu bears personal responsibility for the fate of the hostages. The people of Israel will not forgive the sacrifice of the abductees and the soldiers. The writing is on the wall.” 

IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir has repeatedly warned that Operation Gideon’s Chariots II could endanger the hostages. He has urged the political echelon to accept a hostage-ceasefire deal, arguing that the IDF could destroy Hamas after the deal is signed.

Einav Zangauker, mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, led the protests along with other hostage families, including Anat Angrest and Ofir Braslavski. Former hostages Ilana Gritzewsky and Arbel Yehoud also participated in the call to release their partners, Matan Zangauker and Ariel Cunio respectively, who remain in captivity in Gaza. 

We hear the bombings on our children and we can’t sit at home,” Einav posted on her social media account. 

In a video posted on social media, Einav can be heard shouting, "My only interest is that the country wakes up and brings back my child, along with the 47 other hostages, men and women, living and dead, and that our soldiers all come home.” 

The Forum claimed that Netanyahu fled his residence upon hearing that protesters had gathered outside. 

“Upon learning through media reports that the families plan to protest outside his Jerusalem residence, Prime Minister Netanyahu quickly departed within minutes,” the Forum said. 

The Monday evening protest also came after U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social: “I have just read a news report that Hamas has moved the hostages above ground to use them as human shields against Israel’s ground offensive,” Trump wrote.

“I hope the Leaders of Hamas know what they’re getting into if they do such a thing. This is a human atrocity, the likes of which few people have ever seen before. Don’t let this happen or, ALL ‘BETS’ ARE OFF. RELEASE ALL HOSTAGES NOW!” he added. 

Trump’s statement came after the mother of hostage Guy Gilboa-Dalal said on Sunday that she had learned Hamas had brought her son above ground to be used as a human shield.

Hamas later denied the report, calling it “Zionist propaganda.” 

On Tuesday morning, the Forum announced the establishment of “a permanent encampment” near the Prime Minister’s Residence until Netanyahu concedes, declaring the situation a “state of emergency.” 

The Forum called on the Israeli public to join them at the encampment. 

“Stand with us outside the Prime Minister’s Residence,” the Forum said in its appeal. “The writing is on the wall! There will not be another time to save our brothers and sisters who have been suffering in the tunnels for 711 days. We cannot sacrifice the hostages. Together we will save Israel!” 

“Following reports of tank incursions and massive bombardments in Gaza City, hostage families gathered outside the Prime Minister's residence on Gaza Street in Jerusalem, crying out for the rescue of all 48 hostages,” the Forum posted.

“A permanent encampment was established outside the residence, where hostage families and the public will remain until Netanyahu listens and implements the people's will – the immediate return of all hostages and an end to the war.” 

However, not all hostage families oppose the Gaza City operation.

The Tikva Forum, which is composed of families largely supportive of the coalition government, urged Netanyahu to “go all the way.” 

“Mr. Prime Minister, this time go all the way,” the group said in a statement. “There is no chance that this operation ends with foot-dragging. There is no way that you don’t defeat Hamas in this operation.” 

Saying that there should not be a third Operation Gideon’s Chariots, the group also expressed its concern for the well-being of the soldiers. 

“We have given our support from the beginning to overpower Hamas and thus to get the hostages released,” the statement continued. “If that isn’t your intention, please don’t risk the soldiers.”