Freedom Convoy in Israel calling for swift release of hostages

Tens of thousands of the general public joined the families of the hostages in the “Freedom Convoy” today, traveling from north to south of Israel with one clear message: “Grant us all the same feeling of happiness and joy experienced last Saturday with the release of the four hostages!”

The convoy set out at 7:00 AM from the Ami’ad junction, led by 120 vehicles, one for each hostage, carrying their photographs. Along the way, until reaching the final stop in Carmei Gat, hundreds of additional vehicles joined the procession.

At the last stop in Carmei Gat, Yarden Gonen, sister of the hostage Romi Gonen, alongside Barak Ravid, chairman of the Student Union at Ben Gurion University, took the stage and called on all students in Israel to join them in suspending their studies on Thursday, in a joint call for the immediate release of the hostages through a deal.

Gal Goren, son of Avner Goren, who was murdered in Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7th, and of Maya Goren, who was murdered and whose body was kidnapped, stated:
“As a bereaved family, I feel obligated to do everything to stop the cycle of bereavement. That’s why I’m standing here today to remind everyone that there is an alternative – that it is our duty to choose life. As the war progresses, we are losing more and more, both hostages and soldiers. Contrary to the angry prophecies of ministers and MKs, there is no escape from admitting that a deal is the only way to save lives – that there is no other way to rescue all 120 who are still in hell. Without bringing them back to Israel, there will be no recovery for Israel, and no future or hope for society and the state.”

It is remained to be seen about how Israeli govt will react to UN resolution sponsored by US to bring peace back to Gaza and return of the hostages.