Sun May 11 08:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Thousands of Israelis Protest, Demand Hostage Deal with Hamas
**JERUSALEM** – Thousands of Israelis took to the streets Saturday evening, demanding their government negotiate a prisoner exchange with Hamas to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza since the October 7 attack. Protests erupted across the country, fueled by growing anxiety and impatience over the fate of the captives. The demonstrators called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to prioritize a deal, despite ongoing military operations in Gaza. The scale of the protests underscores the significant public pressure mounting on the government to explore all avenues for the hostages’ safe return.
First Piper 