Tens of thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv to demand an end to the Gaza war and the release of hostages held by Hamas militants. The rally, which drew hundreds of thousands of 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 estimates that around 500,000 people participated in the evening demonstration, although the police did not confirm the figure. The protesters are demanding that the government halt the military campaign and negotiate a deal with Hamas to release the hostages.
The Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has faced intense criticism for its handling of the conflict. Netanyahu slammed the protesters, saying their actions would harden Hamas’s position and lead to further violence. However, opposition leaders like Benny Gantz have condemned the government for not doing enough to secure the release of the hostages.
The conflict has resulted in significant humanitarian concerns, with the UN warning of widespread famine in Gaza. The Israeli military has been accused of limiting humanitarian aid to the territory, exacerbating the crisis. The protests reflect growing domestic opposition to the government’s policies, with many Israelis calling for an end to the war and a negotiated settlement with Hamas.
