Tel Aviv Highway Scuffles Amid Captives’ Families Protest

In Tel Aviv, a recent protest by families of captives held by Hamas escalated into a confrontation with Israeli police. The demonstration, which blocked a major highway, was a visible sign of the mounting frustration over the Israeli government’s perceived inaction in securing the release of the captives.

Shahar Mor, whose nephew Avraham is among those held in Gaza, reported being one of the seven people detained during the protest. The demonstrators, bearing “Deal Now” signs, caused significant traffic disruption. The situation intensified when police arrived and began physically removing protesters from the scene. Mor described how, after he got to his car, armed police pursued and detained him and other demonstrators. They were subsequently released.

This impromptu protest reflects the deep dissatisfaction of the captives’ families with the government’s efforts (or lack thereof) to negotiate a new prisoner exchange deal. This sentiment stems from the aftermath of the Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, during which about 250 people were taken into Gaza. While a ceasefire agreement in November saw the release of nearly half of these captives, many remain in Gaza, fueling ongoing discontent among their families.