From the Liveblog of
Sunday, April 13, 2025
Hundreds protest in favor of hostage deal near Dermer’s home: ‘These could be their last moments’
Jessica Steinberg, The Times of Israel's culture and lifestyles editor, covers the Sabra scene from south to north and back to the center
Hundreds gather near Jerusalem’s Emek Refaim Street for a protest close to the home of Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, the top confidant of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who is heading the negotiating team.
Relatives of hostage Edan Alexander address the protest. Hamas published a video clip of Alexander on Friday night pleading for the government to secure his freedom from captivity.
Addressing Dermer, the mother of hostage Einav Zangauker accuses him of working to thwart a ceasefire deal for the release of the captives.
“You were appointed to head the negotiation team for the return of all the hostages. But we know, Minister Dermer, that that’s not the truth. You came in to run the negotiation in order to derail it. Your mission is to distance my son Matan from me,” Einav Zangauker says at the protest.
Zangauker says the time for the hostages is running out, adding that they have no food and drink water from the toilet.
“These could be their last moments; you want to bury the hostages under warfare!” she adds.
In response, the crowd shouts: “Shame!”
Zangauker then declares, “You should quit!” drawing a supportive response from the crowd.
The Times of Israel Community.