Families of hostages pledge to keep fighting for return of remaining two hostages after weekly rallies conclude

Organizers indicate that weekly demonstrations may be approaching their conclusion, as only two hostages, both killed on October 7, remain in Gaza. On Saturday evening, several thousand people gathered at Tel Avivs Hostages Square for what may be the last rally in this format.

While the broader conflict concluded under the framework proposed by former President Donald Trump, two hostagesIsraeli police officer Ran Gvili and Thai agricultural worker Sudthisak Rinthalakhave yet to be returned. Families stressed that the process cannot be considered finished until both are home.

The square, which has hosted these weekly gatherings for over two years, filled steadily long before speeches began. Families of the deceased and released hostages joined long-time supporters of the movement. The turnout was sizable, though the mood was quieter than in previous rallies, reflecting both exhaustion and the feeling that the campaign is nearing its final stage.

Itzik Gvili, accompanied by his family, spoke about his son Rans actions on October 7, recalling the bravery of police officers and Border Police in protecting civilians across southern Israel. He said, Fifty-eight police officers and Border Police fighters gave their lives defending Israeli citizens. One of them was my son, Israeli hero Ran Gvili.

Gvili called on international mediators to ensure that the return of the final two hostages remains a mandatory part of postwar arrangements. There is no next phase, and there is no day after in Gaza, before Ran comes home, he stated. He added that although Hamas claims to be searching for the bodies, we do not see progress, and this must stop.

The event repeatedly highlighted Sudthisak Rinthalak, the Thai worker who lived in Israel for years to support his elderly parents. Speakers emphasized the heavy toll on Thai communities on October 7 and called for his return with dignity. His name was central to the gathering, underscoring the focus on the last two hostages rather than the wider group previously held.

Rans sister, Shira Gvili, reflected on standing in Hostages Square for 785 days. She described her brother as the best person in the world, highlighting his gentle character and strong sense of responsibility. He is a hero. He protects everyone. He is kind, he is loving, and I miss him very, very much, she said. She attributed his actions on October 7 to both training and innate character, emphasizing his desire to help and save as many as possible.

Shira explained that her family has a background of service and public duty, noting that Ran joined the police out of conviction and pride. Regarding the ongoing public support in the square, she said, These Saturdays give us the strength to continue fighting and to get up in the morning. The hugs we receive, the people standing with us, that is what really lifts us.

She confirmed regular contact with both Israeli and U.S. officials, including meetings with White House envoy Brett McGurk and the U.S. ambassador, noting continued engagement to ensure Rans return.

Ayelet Goldin, sister of Lt. Hadar Goldin, highlighted the role of public pressure in recovering all hostages, stressing that the same commitment is required for Ran and Sudthisak. There is no scenario in which they do not come back, she affirmed. Eyal Eshel, father of Sgt. Roni Eshel, criticized government handling, calling each day without the last two hostages a national disgrace, and emphasized the need for truth, accountability, and justice.

Jon Polin, father of the late Hersh Goldberg-Polin, addressed families directly, offering support and emphasizing the importance of national reflection. We are all still with you, until Ran and Sudthisak come home, he said.

As speeches concluded, attendees dispersed slowly, with smaller groups remaining to hold photographs of the two remaining hostages. Unlike earlier rallies, there were no large coordinated displays, only personal portraits held quietly. Some gathered around the upright piano in the plaza to sing familiar Israeli songs of hope, forming a modest, intimate circle.

If this rally marks the final weekly gathering in its current form, it ended without spectacle. The closing moments were quiet: individuals holding photos, a few shared melodies, and a collective understanding that the commitment to bring Ran Gvili and Sudthisak Rinthalak home continues. Though the war has ended, the families struggle persists, echoed through the night with the chant, until the last hostage.

Author’s Analysis: The Final Stage of Public Mobilization

From my perspective, the latest gathering at Hostages Square marked a clear transition rather than a conclusion. The scale of participation and the subdued tone reflected a movement that has largely achieved its immediate goals, while remaining focused on two unresolved cases.

With only Ran Gvili and Sudthisak Rinthalak still not returned, the demonstrations have narrowed in scope. This shift was evident in the speeches and symbols at the rally, which centered exclusively on the two remaining hostages rather than broader demands related to the war.

The statements made by families and supporters underscored a consistent position: postwar arrangements cannot be considered complete without the return of both individuals. Calls directed at international mediators and government officials emphasized continuity of responsibility despite the formal end of hostilities.

The absence of large-scale displays and the move toward quieter, personal expressions signaled fatigue but not disengagement. In my assessment, this reflects a deliberate recalibration of public pressure, not its disappearance.

The weekly format may be ending, but the issue itself remains active. As long as Ran Gvili and Sudthisak Rinthalak have not been brought home, the campaign persists in substance, even if its public form changes.

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• Hostage families vow to continue fighting for return of last two hostages as weekly rallies end