Families of Israeli captives protest outside Netanyahu’s residence
Families of Israeli captives set up a protest encampment outside Netanyahu’s residence, declaring a “state of emergency."
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Demonstrators hold photos depicting the faces of Israeli captives who are being held in the Gaza Strip, during a protest demanding their release and against the Israeli offensive in Gaza City, in occupied al-Quds, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025 (AP)
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum has declared a “state of emergency” in response to "Israel’s" ongoing offensive in Gaza City, announcing the establishment of a tent encampment outside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence in occupied al-Quds.
The group, representing the families of Israeli captives held in Gaza, stated that the encampment has received police approval. It follows a spontaneous gathering of relatives late Monday night after news broke of intensified military operations in central Gaza.
“Following reports of tank incursions and massive bombardments in Gaza City, [captives] families, terrified for their loved ones’ fate, spontaneously gathered in the late night hours outside the Israeli prime minister’s residence on Azza Street in occupied Al-Quds, crying out for the rescue of their loved ones and all hostages,” the group said in a statement.
The protest marks a visible escalation in pressure on the occupation, with the encampment intended to be a continuous demonstration until demands are met.
Captives relatives fear for their lives amid ongoing attacks
Families of the captives have raised urgent concerns that the Israeli military offensive in Gaza, particularly the operation targeting Gaza City, could jeopardize the lives of those still being held.
According to the Forum, there are 48 Israeli captives still held by Palestinian Resistance groups in Gaza; around 20 of them are believed to be alive.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said the encampment will remain in place “until Netanyahu listens and implements the people’s will, the immediate return of all hostages and an end to the war.”
The group also announced plans to hold daily demonstrations at the encampment each evening at 7:30 pm.