’Do Not Leave Anyone Behind’: ’Israelis’ Enraged, Call for Protests

By Staff, Agencies

As anticipation grows around the expected release of Edan Alexander, the "Israeli"-American soldier held in Gaza, the Hostage Families Forum has called on the public to gather in Hostages Square in "Tel Aviv" on Monday. 

 The group is urging solidarity and a broader demand for the return of all captives still held in Gaza.

“Together, we will follow all developments and call out in unity: We must not leave anyone behind! Edan’s return must be the beginning of a comprehensive agreement that brings home all the hostages,” the forum stated.

While no official time for Alexander’s release has been confirmed, the forum is asking supporters to arrive by noon.

A Saudi media outlet reported that the release was expected around midday, though a source involved in the negotiations told "The Times of Israel" that it is more likely to happen later in the day.

The anticipated release of dual-national soldier Idan Alexander has sparked a wave of anger and frustration across "Israeli" media, with leading commentators accusing the government of prioritizing captives with foreign passports while abandoning those with "only 'Israeli' citizenship."

In a sharply worded column, "Yedioth Ahronoth's" Raanan Shaked wrote, “The agreement between Hamas and the United States means that if you hold only 'Israeli' citizenship, don’t expect anything from your government, or to use a now-common phrase: die.”

He continued, “You won’t be rescued unless you have an additional nationality, especially under Netanyahu’s rule. That’s not my opinion, it’s what the American president made clear.”

The criticism reflects growing discontent within "Israel", as al-Qassam Brigades spokesperson Abu Obeida announced that the group has decided to release the "Israeli" soldier holding American citizenship, Edan Alexander, today.

Meanwhile, families of other captives accuse the government of discrimination and neglect.

"Israeli" broadcaster "Kan" quoted Minister Avi Dichter, a close Netanyahu ally, as saying, “We are not the 51st star on the American flag, and the goals of the war have not changed.”