Nationwide protests are pushing for urgent action to secure hostages while calling for an end to military operations in Gaza
Massive Protests Erupt in Israel Demanding Hostage Release and End to Gaza Conflict
Massive Protests Erupt in Israel Demanding Hostage Release and End to Gaza Conflict
Citizens rally throughout the country to call for peace and negotiations amid ongoing violence
Hundreds of thousands of people have taken to the streets in Israel, urging an immediate end to the ongoing Gaza conflict and advocating for a deal to secure the release of hostages taken by Hamas. The largest assembly occurred at "Hostages Square" in Tel Aviv on Sunday, where organizers stated that any potential plans by the Israeli government to seize control of Gaza City jeopardize the safety of around 20 hostages still being held captive by Hamas.
In conjunction with the protests, a one-day national strike caused significant disruptions, with roads, offices, and universities shuttered in certain areas. Security forces arrested nearly 40 demonstrators amid rising tensions. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the protests, arguing that such actions would "harden Hamas's stance" and delay the release of the hostages.
During the demonstrations, far-right Israeli minister Bezalel Smotrich condemned the protests as a "harmful campaign" that benefits Hamas. Tensions escalated as riot police forcefully dismantled a protest outside the Likud party's headquarters in Tel Aviv, following what was reportedly one of the most significant rallies witnessed over the past 22 months of conflict. Smaller demonstrations also took place across various parts of Israel.
Families of the hostages have been at the forefront of the national strike, demanding a realistic and effective agreement for their loved ones' release along with an end to the warfare. Einav Zangauker, a mother of one of the hostages, emphasized the anguish of families during her speech to the crowd, stating, "We demand what is rightfully ours - our children." Her emotional appeal resonated deeply, especially following the release of a video featuring her son.
These protests are fueled by the Israeli war cabinet's recent decision to occupy Gaza City — the largest urban area in the Strip — and displace its inhabitants, a move condemned by the UN Security Council. Continuous bombings have forced thousands to flee from Gaza City's southern Zeitoun neighborhood, where the civil defense agency warned of a "catastrophic" scenario.
Recent reports indicate at least 40 fatalities in Gaza due to Israeli airstrikes over the weekend, amid escalating violence. While Hamas claimed that Israeli forces are conducting a "sustained offensive" in specific neighborhoods, the Israeli military announced that it would permit aid agencies to bring in tents and other supplies to assist displaced residents.
Israel's plans involve resettling up to one million people from Gaza City to southern camps, but the timeline for operations remains unclear. Prime Minister Netanyahu aims to establish control over the entire city starting from October 7. According to UN estimates, at least 1.9 million Palestinians in Gaza — roughly 90% of the population — have already been displaced, highlighting the urgent humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the ongoing conflict. The war ignited after Hamas's attack on October 7, which resulted in around 1,200 Israeli deaths and 251 hostages taken. Israeli military actions have claimed over 61,000 Palestinian lives, as reported by the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry, deemed trustworthy by the UN.
In conjunction with the protests, a one-day national strike caused significant disruptions, with roads, offices, and universities shuttered in certain areas. Security forces arrested nearly 40 demonstrators amid rising tensions. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the protests, arguing that such actions would "harden Hamas's stance" and delay the release of the hostages.
During the demonstrations, far-right Israeli minister Bezalel Smotrich condemned the protests as a "harmful campaign" that benefits Hamas. Tensions escalated as riot police forcefully dismantled a protest outside the Likud party's headquarters in Tel Aviv, following what was reportedly one of the most significant rallies witnessed over the past 22 months of conflict. Smaller demonstrations also took place across various parts of Israel.
Families of the hostages have been at the forefront of the national strike, demanding a realistic and effective agreement for their loved ones' release along with an end to the warfare. Einav Zangauker, a mother of one of the hostages, emphasized the anguish of families during her speech to the crowd, stating, "We demand what is rightfully ours - our children." Her emotional appeal resonated deeply, especially following the release of a video featuring her son.
These protests are fueled by the Israeli war cabinet's recent decision to occupy Gaza City — the largest urban area in the Strip — and displace its inhabitants, a move condemned by the UN Security Council. Continuous bombings have forced thousands to flee from Gaza City's southern Zeitoun neighborhood, where the civil defense agency warned of a "catastrophic" scenario.
Recent reports indicate at least 40 fatalities in Gaza due to Israeli airstrikes over the weekend, amid escalating violence. While Hamas claimed that Israeli forces are conducting a "sustained offensive" in specific neighborhoods, the Israeli military announced that it would permit aid agencies to bring in tents and other supplies to assist displaced residents.
Israel's plans involve resettling up to one million people from Gaza City to southern camps, but the timeline for operations remains unclear. Prime Minister Netanyahu aims to establish control over the entire city starting from October 7. According to UN estimates, at least 1.9 million Palestinians in Gaza — roughly 90% of the population — have already been displaced, highlighting the urgent humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the ongoing conflict. The war ignited after Hamas's attack on October 7, which resulted in around 1,200 Israeli deaths and 251 hostages taken. Israeli military actions have claimed over 61,000 Palestinian lives, as reported by the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry, deemed trustworthy by the UN.
