In an unprecedented show of solidarity, hundreds of thousands of people gathered in Tel Aviv's "Hostages Square" on Sunday, calling for an immediate end to the war in Gaza and urging the government to secure the release of hostages captured by Hamas. Organizers of the rally warned that the Israeli military's plans to take control of Gaza City jeopardized the safety of approximately 20 hostages still in captivity.
As part of a national strike—supported by the families of hostages and activists opposing the military escalation—major roads, offices, and universities shut down across parts of the country. Nearly 40 arrests were made as demonstrators filled the streets, many even blocking key thoroughfares to amplify their demand for a comprehensive resolution to the conflict.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the protests, asserting that they could worsen the situation by potentially "hardening Hamas's stance" and impeding the hostage release. Far-right Minister Bezalel Smotrich echoed this sentiment, condemning the protests as detrimental to Israel's strategy in dealing with Hamas.
Among the voices heard at the rally was Einav Zangauker, mother of hostage Matan and a prominent figure in the Hostage and Missing Families Forum. With emotional fervor, she articulated the collective plea of families affected by the crisis: "We demand what is rightfully ours - our children," urging for a swift and transformative agreement to bring hostages home. A recent video of her son intensified the emotional weight of her plea, drawing tears and solidarity from the crowd.
This rally followed Israel's war cabinet's contentious vote to occupy Gaza City, a move that has faced international condemnation, including from the UN Security Council. Thousands of residents have fled areas like the Zeitoun neighborhood due to relentless Israeli bombardments, described as creating a "catastrophic" situation by local officials.
Reports indicate at least 40 Palestinian lives were taken in Israeli airstrikes across Gaza on the preceding Saturday, further intensifying the humanitarian crisis. In response, the Israeli military announced the resumption of tent supplies for displaced residents, part of their purported plan to relocate populations from combat zones to safer areas in southern Gaza.
As the conflict escalates and displaces nearly 1.9 million people—around 90% of Gaza's population—the potential for famine grows serious, as warned by UN reports citing widespread malnutrition in the region. The war ignited on October 7, 2023, following a brutal surprise attack by Hamas that resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 Israelis and the abduction of 251 others. In retaliatory strikes, over 61,000 Palestinian lives have been claimed according to the Gaza health ministry's statistics, raising ongoing concerns about the humanitarian impact of this prolonged conflict.
