Tens of thousands of demonstrators filled the streets of Tel Aviv on Sunday evening in one of Israel’s largest protests since the war in Gaza began nearly two years ago. The rally, held in the city’s Hostage Square, was the culmination of a day of nationwide demonstrations and a general strike aimed at pressuring the government to end its military campaign and secure the release of hostages.
Organisers from the Hostage and Missing Families Forum estimated that around 500,000 people joined the protest in Tel Aviv, though police have not confirmed the figure. “We demand a comprehensive and achievable agreement and an end to the war,” said Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan is held captive in Gaza. “We demand what is rightfully ours – our children. The Israeli government has transformed a just war into a pointless war.”
National media broadcast a video message recorded by Hamas showing Matan Zangauker, weak and visibly emaciated, addressing his family. The footage, said to have been found in Gaza by the Israeli army, intensified calls for urgent action to save hostages. “This is probably the last minute we have to save the hostages,” protester Ofir Penso told AFP.
The protests came just over a week after Israel’s security cabinet approved plans to capture Gaza City, deepening the conflict which has created a severe humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian territory. Demonstrators vowed to “shut down the country” until a deal is reached. Across Israel, protesters blocked roads, set tyres alight and clashed with police, with more than 30 people arrested.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticised the protests, accusing demonstrators of strengthening Hamas by hardening its position and prolonging hostage negotiations. “Their actions not only harden Hamas’s position and draw out the release of our hostages, but also ensure that the horrors of 7 October will reoccur,” he said.
Egypt has recently confirmed that mediators are attempting to broker a 60-day truce that would include hostage releases, though the last round of talks in Qatar failed to secure a breakthrough.
The demonstrations drew strong political reactions. Far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich denounced the rallies as “a perverse and harmful campaign that plays into the hands of Hamas.” By contrast, opposition leader Benny Gantz accused the government of “attacking the families of the hostages” while bearing responsibility for their continued captivity.
The war has taken a devastating toll. According to Gaza’s health ministry, at least 61,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel’s offensive began, most of them civilians. Thousands more are believed to be buried beneath rubble or have died indirectly from the war’s consequences.