In a passionate display of solidarity, protesters took to the streets of several cities across Israel on Saturday, demanding the immediate release of all hostages held in Gaza. The demonstrations were also marked by calls for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's resignation and for early elections to be held.

Families of the hostages held in Gaza were actively involved in the anti-government protests, which took place in Tel Aviv, Caesarea, Rehovot, and Haifa. As Israel prepares to observe Memorial Day starting Sunday evening, the demonstrators waved Israeli flags and held signs bearing images of the Israeli hostages. Their message to the government was clear - bring them home alive.

The October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel resulted in the abduction of around 240 people, as well as the loss of over 1,200 lives. While more than 100 hostages were freed in a release deal in November, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) believes that there are still 132 hostages being held in Gaza, with 128 of them taken on October 7. Tragically, it is believed that only 92 of those 128 hostages are still alive.

Yael Adar, the mother of Tamir Adar, one of the hostages who was abducted on October 7 and whose death was announced in January, spoke passionately during the rally. She expressed her deep desire to bring her son's body back for a proper burial, stating, "Since then, all we ask is to bring Tamir and all the murdered hostages back for burial, here in the land they loved. To grant Tamir the burial he deserves. To grant us closure, to have a grave where we can be with his memory."

Hagit Chen, mother of Itay Chen who was killed on October 7 and whose remains were taken to Gaza, also voiced her grief and desire for a peaceful burial for her son. "How much more suffering can one take? It is time that you bring them all back!" she addressed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directly, urging him to take action.

Amidst the protests, Hamas' military wing, the Al Qassam Brigades, claimed that one of the Israeli hostages, Nadav Popplewell, had died over a month ago due to his deteriorating health caused by wounds sustained during an Israeli airstrike. Popplewell, a 51-year-old British-Israeli citizen, was abducted from Kibbutz Nirim on October 7, 2023. His mother, Channah Peri, was also held captive but was released as part of a hostage deal in November. The confirmation of Popplewell's fate remains uncertain, as conflicting information emerges.

The Israeli Prime Minister's Office stated that it did not have information on whether Popplewell was alive or deceased, while the IDF declined to comment on the matter. The United Kingdom's Foreign Office expressed its commitment to seeking more information on Popplewell's situation and stated that it continues to work towards the safe release of hostages, including British nationals.

As the protests for the safe return of the remaining hostages and the demand for political change continue, the nation remains hopeful for a resolution to this painful chapter.