The demonstration signals growing anger over the fate of hostages in the fourth month of the Gaza war.

Relatives of Israelis held hostage by Hamas in Gaza stormed a parliamentary committee meeting in Jerusalem and called on lawmakers to do more to free their relatives.

The action by a group of around 20 relatives on Monday highlighted growing anger over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s refusal to agree to a deal with the Palestinian group as the Gaza war continues into a fourth month.

A woman held up pictures of three family members who were among 253 people arrested in Hamas’ cross-border rampage on October 7 that sparked the mass attack Israeli operation in the enclave.

About 100 of the hostages were released during a week-long ceasefire in November. Around 130 people remain detained in Gaza.

“Only one I would like to get back alive, one of three!” shouted the protester after forcing her way into the Knesset Finance Committee discussion.

Other protesters, dressed in black T-shirts, held signs that read: “You will not sit here while they die there.”

“Let them go now, now, now!” they sang.

Riveted

Mediation efforts by the US, Qatar and Egypt appear to be far from reconciling the two sides. Netanyahu has insisted that Israel will continue its campaign until Hamas is destroyed. The Palestinian group demands that Israel withdraw and release all thousands of Palestinians from its prisons so that Israeli prisoners can be released.

The fate of the hostages – 27 of whom died in captivity, according to Tel Aviv – has preoccupied Israel.

However, relatives fear that war weariness could soften this focus. Demonstrations that initially promoted national unity have become more aggressive.

During the uproar in the Knesset Finance Committee, parliamentary servants, often quick to eject hecklers or protesters, stood by. One deputy covered her face with her hands.

The panel’s chairman, Moshe Gafni, head of an ultra-Orthodox Jewish party in Netanyahu’s coalition, stood up, called for a halt to the ongoing economic meeting and tried to calm the protester.

“The release of prisoners is the most important commandment in Judaism, especially in this case where there is an urgent need to save lives,” he said, but added: “Leaving the coalition would achieve nothing.”

rally

The families’ anger was not limited to official buildings. Relatives and supporters of the hostages gathered again on Sunday evening near Netanyahu’s residence in West Jerusalem.

“We call on our government to listen, sit down at the negotiating table and decide whether to accept this agreement or another that would suit Israel,” said Gilad Korenbloom, whose son is being held hostage in Gaza.

Jon Polin, father of a hostage, said Israelis served their country and in return “we expect the government to ensure our security.”

“We call on the government to do its part, propose an agreement, bring it to a successful conclusion and bring the remaining hostages back alive,” Polin said.

Protesters also camped in front of Netanyahu’s seaside home as well as the Knesset building. Some called for a unilateral end to the war or an election that could result in the overthrow of the far-right government.

On Sunday Netanyahu rejected The conditions put forward by Hamas to end the war and release the hostages would include Israel’s complete withdrawal and Hamas’ retention of power in Gaza.

The Hostage and Missing Families Forum then demanded that Netanyahu “state clearly that we will not abandon civilians, soldiers and others kidnapped in the October debacle.”

“If the prime minister decides to sacrifice the hostages, he should show leadership and honestly share his position with the Israeli public,” it said in a statement.