Protests fill Tel Aviv as calls grow to end Gaza war

One of the largest protests in Israel since the start of the conflict calls for ending the Gaza war and freeing hostages.

Tel Aviv crowd demands end to Gaza war

Tens of thousands gathered in Tel Aviv on Sunday evening at a central plaza known for protest activity, following a day of nationwide demonstrations and a general strike aimed at pressuring the government to halt the campaign in Gaza. The Hostage and Missing Families Forum estimated a crowd of about 500,000 in Tel Aviv, a figure not confirmed by police. Chants demanded that hostages be released and that the war end.

The rally also reflected broader political tensions as mediators in Egypt pursue a 60-day truce that would include hostage releases. Israeli security officials reported clashes with police during the protests and more than 30 arrests. The day came as Israel’s security cabinet discussed plans to expand its operations in Gaza City, underscoring the high humanitarian and military stakes of the conflict. Gaza health authorities say the offensive has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians, though civilian casualties and indirect deaths are difficult to quantify.

The sheer scale of turnout signals deep domestic pressure on Prime Minister Netanyahu and his government as the war drags on. The protests underscore a split between on the ground military aims and public sentiment that seeks a swift path to hostage releases and an end to the fighting. While some opposition voices condemn the demonstrations as counterproductive, others argue they are necessary checks on a government policy that many fear is locked into a costly stalemate.

Diplomatic efforts, including mediation backed by Egypt, add a layer of urgency. Public pressure could push negotiators toward pragmatic concessions, but it could also harden hardline positions if leaders view street protests as a threat to national security. The episode illustrates how civilian suffering, hostage diplomacy, and military strategy are converging in real time, shaping the future course of both Israeli policy and international mediation.

Highlights

Public pressure and diplomacy will determine whether protest momentum translates into lasting policy shifts.