Families of hostages demand action from Israeli government

In Israel, on August 26, 2025, a large-scale protest erupted as families of hostages and their supporters blocked major highways demanding the government negotiate a deal with Hamas for the release of their loved ones. The Hostage and Missing Families Forum organized this protest to commemorate 690 days since the abduction of their relatives during Hamas's October 7, 2023 invasion. Demonstrators demonstrated on highways across the country, conspicuously disrupting traffic during rush hour as they called for action from the government, claiming it was dragging its feet on negotiations. The mass protests featured thousands of participants who held signs advocating for the immediate return of hostages and cessation of the ongoing conflict. The protests represented the frustrations of families and their supporters against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his administration's handling of military operations in Gaza while hostages remained in captivity. Protest leaders, including Einav Zangauker, mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, condemned the prolonged war and accused Netanyahu of sacrificing civilians to maintain political control. While many families supported the protests, not all agreed with the tactics employed. Some, like Talik Gvili, whose son’s body was taken by Hamas, criticized the protesters, arguing that such actions may serve Hamas's interest by pushing negotiations further away. This division among hostage families reveals a broader debate about the best strategy to ensure the return of loved ones versus achieving military objectives. As the protests continued, police made efforts to clear roadways, with authorities stating that blocking traffic was not permitted without proper permissions. The conflicting sentiments surrounding the protests underscore the emotional toll on families affected by the conflict, illustrating both the desire to secure the release of hostages and the concerns about the methods employed to achieve that aim. The protests formed part of a series of coordinated demonstrations that have surfaced in response to a protracted conflict and highlighted deep divisions within the communities of those directly impacted by the situation in Gaza.