Tens of thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv on Sunday, August 17, 2025, to demand an end to the Gaza war and the release of hostages held by Hamas militants. The rally, estimated to have drawn around 500,000 people, was one of the largest demonstrations in Israel since the conflict began in October 2023. Protesters converged on “Hostage Square” in Tel Aviv, chanting slogans like “Bring them all home! Stop the war!” and calling for a comprehensive agreement to secure the release of the hostages.
The protests, which included a general strike and blockades of major traffic arteries, were organized by the Hostage and Missing Families Forum. The group vowed to “shut down the country” until their demands are met. Einav Zangauker, mother of hostage Matan and a leading figure of the protest movement, emphasized the urgency of the situation, saying, “We demand a comprehensive and achievable agreement and an end to the war. We demand what is rightfully ours – our children.
The Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has faced intense criticism for its handling of the conflict. Netanyahu slammed the protesters, claiming their actions would harden Hamas’s position and lead to further violence. However, opposition leaders like Benny Gantz condemned the government for not doing enough to secure the release of the hostages. The conflict has resulted in a dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with the UN warning of widespread famine and over 61,944 Palestinians killed since the start of the war.
