Israeli protesters smear yellow paint in parliament as they demand leaders do more to free hostages
About 20 Israeli protesters screamed slogans and smeared paint on a glass wall in the country’s parliament Wednesday, as they demanded the government do more to free the hostages still being held in Gaza.
The demonstrators hopped onto a railing and pressed their hands, covered in yellow paint, onto the glass separating the visitor’s gallery and the assembly floor in the Knesset.
“Now! Now!” they chanted before security arrived to escort them out of the building.
Yellow has been the color the protesters have chosen to symbolize their cause, with Israelis often putting up or waving yellow ribbons when demonstrating.
Wednesday’s incident occurred in front of the rows of seats in the visitor’s gallery displaying pictures of the 134 hostages still held by Hamas.
Several Israeli representatives on the assembly floor raised their hands in solidarity with the protesters, with Opposition Leader Yair Lapid assuring the families of the hostages that Israel is doing everything it can to help secure their freedom, the Times of Israel reports.
“Our hearts are with you, the families of the protesters. We will fight with you,” he said while also asking “protesters to follow the law.”
The scene that unfolded in the Knesset came following three days of the nation’s largest anti-government protests fueled by frustration over the stalling hostage negotiations.
During the protests, thousands of Israelis also demanded early elections be held rather than waiting for the next election cycle in 2026.
Part of the outrage was also fueled by the parliament’s decision to go into recess for six weeks starting next Sunday, with families of the hostages calling it unacceptable.
Five demonstrators were arrested on Tuesday night after the protesters’ march in Jerusalem reached the Rehavia neighborhood, home to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.
With Post wires
