Massive Demonstrations in Tel Aviv Call for Gaza Conflict to be Brought to an End Immediately
More than 100,000 Israelis poured into the streets of Tel Aviv on Saturday night to protest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposal to expand military action in Gaza. The demonstrators called for the war to be ended immediately and requested the release of hostages taken by Hamas militants in a safe manner.
The protest occurred one day after Netanyahu’s security cabinet approved recommendations to capture Gaza City, a major expansion of operations in the Palestinian city. This action has met international and domestic criticism, as many are concerned it will place the remaining hostages in peril.
“This is not a military choice. It may be a death sentence for our loved ones,” tweeted wife of hostage Omri Miran, Lishay Miran Lavi, in an emotional appeal at the rally, asking U.S. President Donald Trump to step in and advocate for peace.
Public Opinion and Political Pressure Grow Against War Enlargement
Polls indicate that a strong majority of Israelis favor ending the war quickly to secure the release of about 50 hostages believed to be alive in Gaza. Although some hostages have been freed through diplomatic channels, efforts to negotiate a broader ceasefire collapsed in July, deepening frustrations among the public.
Numerous protesters blamed Netanyahu’s government for what they perceive as a fanatic drive contrary to the interests of Israel. “They are acting in ways that are against the interest of the nation,” said Rami Dar, who had come from beyond Tel Aviv and was retired. The protest included Israeli flags and signs bearing hostage photos, in addition to signs calling for Trump to intervene and prevent Netanyahu’s escalation plans.
Yana, a mother who had come with her family, expressed skepticism regarding the war. “Two years of war and no victory,” she stated. “More deaths on both sides won’t achieve anything.”
Since Hamas attacked Israel in October 2023 and killed approximately 1,200 Israelis and took 251 hostages, both sides have been devastated. Israeli soldiers have more than 400 casualties, while Palestinian casualties in Gaza have exceeded 61,000, report local health officials.
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Political Divisions Grow Deeper as Military Strategies Unravel
In spite of the protests, Netanyahu’s hard-right coalition partners remain committed to taking over Gaza completely. Hard-right minister Bezalel Smotrich has publicly called for annexing much of the territory, criticizing the prime minister for purported timidity.
In an interview on Fox News recently, Netanyahu reiterated the desire of the military to take over the entire Gaza but added that Israel is not looking to occupy the territory on a long-term basis. The prime minister’s office, however, said on Friday it had planned only to capture Gaza City, with some uncertainty regarding the strategy for the rest.
Among them, some, such as Tal, a secondary school teacher, cautioned against the serious danger involved in escalation. “It’s awful. It will result in soldiers’ and hostages’ lives,” she said. “We don’t have anything there to do. It’s not ours.”
As tensions build, Israel is increasingly under pressure from its own public and global partners to rethink its strategy, balance military goals with humanitarian interests, and pursue a course toward peace that safeguards innocent lives across the board.
