Massive Protests in Israel Demand Hostage Deal and End to Gaza Conflict

Protests Against Gaza War and Hostage Release

Hundreds of thousands of people have gathered in Israel to demand an end to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and a deal to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. The largest demonstration took place in Tel Aviv’s "Hostages Square" on Sunday, where organizers warned that the government's plans to take control of Gaza City could endanger the lives of approximately 20 remaining hostages.

A one-day national strike, part of broader protests, led to the closure of roads, offices, and universities in certain areas. Nearly 40 individuals were arrested during the day. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the protests, arguing they would "harden Hamas's stance" and delay the return of the hostages. Far-right Israeli minister Bezalel Smotrich also condemned the demonstrations, calling them a "harmful campaign that plays into the hands of Hamas."

The national strike was organized by families of hostages and others who oppose the expansion of the war. Einav Zangauker, mother of hostage Matan and a prominent member of the Hostage and Missing Families Forum, stated that the group is demanding "a comprehensive and achievable agreement and an end to the war." She emphasized, "We demand what is rightfully ours—our children." Zangauker added, "The Israeli government has transformed a just war into a pointless war."

She spoke after a video of her son was released, expressing deep emotion. "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," she said.

Escalation in Gaza and Humanitarian Crisis

The protests occurred a week after Israel’s war cabinet voted to occupy Gaza City, the territory’s largest city, and displace its population—a move strongly criticized by the UN Security Council. Since then, thousands of residents have fled the southern Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City, where days of continuous Israeli bombardment have created a "catastrophic" situation, according to the Hamas-run municipality.

On Saturday, at least 40 people were killed by Israeli attacks across the territory, as reported by Gaza’s civil defense agency. Hamas stated that Israeli forces had been conducting a "sustained offensive in the eastern and southern neighborhoods of Gaza City, particularly in Zeitoun." Meanwhile, the Israeli military announced it would resume allowing tents and shelter equipment to be brought into Gaza by aid agencies.

"As part of the preparations to move the population from combat zones to the southern Gaza Strip for their protection, the supply of tents and shelter equipment to Gaza will resume," the Israeli military body Cogat said. However, Israel’s plan to forcibly displace a million people from Gaza City to camps in the south remains unclear, with no exact timetable provided for when its forces would enter the city.

Prime Minister Netanyahu reportedly wants the entire city under Israeli occupation from 7 October. According to the UN, at least 1.9 million people in Gaza—about 90% of the population—have already been displaced. The international body has warned of widespread malnutrition in Gaza, with experts indicating that the "worst-case scenario" of famine is unfolding in the Strip.

Background of the Conflict

The war in Gaza was triggered by Hamas's attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, which resulted in the deaths of about 1,200 people and the capture of 251 others. Israel's military response has led to the deaths of more than 61,000 Palestinians, according to figures from the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry, which the UN considers reliable.

As tensions continue to rise, both sides remain locked in a brutal conflict that shows no signs of abating. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is worsening, with families fleeing violence and struggling to access basic necessities. At the same time, protests in Israel reflect growing public discontent with the government’s approach to the war and the treatment of hostages.