Hundreds of thousands of Israelis poured into the streets on Sunday in one of the largest demonstrations since the Gaza war began, demanding a hostage release deal and an end to the conflict.
The protests, centred on Tel Aviv’s “Hostages Square,” drew massive crowds after Israel’s war cabinet voted last week to occupy Gaza City — a decision opponents say puts hostages’ lives at risk. Organisers warned that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to seize control of the city could endanger roughly 20 people still held captive by Hamas.
Nationwide Strike and Arrests
A nationwide strike, backed by families of hostages, shuttered roads, universities and businesses in several cities. Police arrested nearly 40 people, and riot officers clashed with demonstrators outside Netanyahu’s Likud party headquarters in Tel Aviv.
“This is the largest rally in 22 months of war,” one protest organiser told reporters. Smaller protests erupted across Israel, amplifying public anger over the government’s handling of the conflict.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich denounced the demonstrations as a “harmful campaign that plays into the hands of Hamas.” Netanyahu also criticised the protests, saying they would “harden Hamas’s stance” and delay hostage negotiations.
Families Demand Action
Families of hostages took centre stage in the protests. Einav Zangauker, mother of captive Matan, addressed the crowd in Tel Aviv:
“We demand what is rightfully ours — our children. The Israeli government has transformed a just war into a pointless war.”
Holding back tears, she described watching a newly released video of her son:
“My heart burns with longing. My whole heart is scorched because of my Matan. Matan, I, an entire nation, we are doing everything we can for you, for all the hostages.”
Gaza Situation Worsens
The protests came as Israeli bombardment intensified in Gaza City’s Zeitoun neighbourhood. The Hamas-run municipality described conditions as “catastrophic” after days of airstrikes. Gaza’s civil defence agency said at least 40 people were killed on Saturday alone.
Hamas accused Israeli forces of launching “a sustained offensive in the eastern and southern neighbourhoods of Gaza City, particularly in Zeitoun.”
Israel’s military announced it would allow aid agencies to bring tents into Gaza “to move the population from combat zones to the southern Gaza Strip for their protection.”
International Concerns Over Gaza City Occupation
Israel plans to forcibly displace up to one million people from Gaza City into camps in the south. The UN Security Council has condemned the move, warning of mass displacement and famine.
According to the UN, at least 1.9 million Gazans — nearly 90% of the population — have already been displaced. Aid groups say malnutrition is spreading, with experts warning that famine conditions are emerging across the enclave.
War Toll
The Gaza war was sparked by Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which killed around 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage. Since then, Israel’s offensive has killed more than 61,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials, figures the UN considers credible.
As Israel weighs an occupation of Gaza City and protesters intensify pressure at home, the political and humanitarian fallout continues to mount — with no clear resolution in sight.
