Thousands rally for hostage deal outside PM’s office after 4-day march

By Charlie Summers 13 July 2024, 9:48 pm 2 Edit

Thousands of protesters outside the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem demonstrate in support of a hostage deal on July 13, 2024. (Charlie Summers/Times of Israel)

Many thousands are demonstrating for a hostage deal outside the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem.

The massive rally comes after a group of hostage families and their supporters staged a four-day march from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, having entered the capital earlier today.

Einav Zangauker, one of the march leaders, accuses Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of “time after time, trying to separate me from Matan,” her 24-year-old son held hostage by Hamas in Gaza.

She tells the crowd that she is talking to members of Israel’s negotiating team and knows that “we are close” to reaching a deal.

“We deserve better leadership that takes responsibility,” she continues. “The hostages, too, deserve to hug their mothers and fathers.”