Tens of thousands of protesters filled Tel Aviv’s streets on Saturday night to oppose Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to escalate the nearly two-year war in Gaza, demanding an immediate end to the fighting and the release of hostages.
The demonstration, which organisers said drew more than 100,000 people, came a day after the prime minister’s office announced the security cabinet had decided to seize Gaza City. The move would expand military operations in the devastated territory despite public opinion polls showing strong opposition and warnings from the military that it could endanger the hostages.
Demonstrators attend a protest demanding the immediate release of the hostages kidnapped during the deadly October 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas, and the end of the war, in Tel Aviv, Israel, August 9, 2025. REUTERS/Amir Cohen
“This isn’t just a military decision. It could be a death sentence for the people we love most,” said Lishay Miran Lavi, wife of hostage Omri Miran, urging U.S. President Donald Trump to intervene to end the war.
Demonstrators clash with police, during a protest demanding the immediate release of the hostages kidnapped during the deadly October 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas, and the end of the war, in Tel Aviv, Israel, August 9, 2025. REUTERS/Amir Cohen
Public Favors Ceasefire
As reported in Reuters, surveys show a large majority of Israelis support halting the war to secure the release of the remaining 50 hostages, with officials estimating only about 20 are still alive. Most hostages freed so far have been released through negotiations.
Family members of hostages held in Gaza, who were kidnapped during the deadly October 7, 2023, attack on Israel by Hamas, take part in a protest presentation where they sit with cans of food and pitta bread broken into quarters representing the humanitarian situation of the hostages, in Tel Aviv, Israel, August 9, 2025. REUTERS/Amir Cohen TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Talks toward a ceasefire collapsed in July, prompting frustration among protesters. “They are doing things against the interests of the country,” said 69-year-old retiree Rami Dar, who travelled from outside Tel Aviv to attend the rally.
Some demonstrators carried Israeli flags and placards with hostage photos, while a small number displayed images of Gazan children killed in the conflict. Others directed anger at the government or called for U.S. intervention.
Conflict Toll and Political Pressure
The war began after Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack killed around 1,200 people, mostly Israelis, and saw 251 taken into Gaza. More than 400 Israeli soldiers have died in the fighting, while Gaza’s health ministry says over 61,000 Palestinians have been killed, including at least 39 in the past day.
Demonstrators hold up signs, during a protest demanding the immediate release of the hostages kidnapped during the deadly October 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas, and the end of the war, in Tel Aviv, Israel, August 9, 2025. REUTERS/Amir Cohen
Some of Netanyahu’s far-right allies have called for a total takeover of Gaza, a move the military says could further endanger hostages. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has urged annexing large parts of the territory.
Speaking to Fox News, Netanyahu said Israel intended to take control of all of Gaza but did not want to keep it. His office has said the current plan focuses on Gaza City, though details remain unclear.
As reported in Reuters, at the Tel Aviv rally, 55-year-old teacher Tal said escalating the war would bring “terrible” consequences. “It will mean more soldiers and hostages killed. We don’t have anything to do there. It’s not ours.”