The protesters marched through Tel Aviv, past Kirya military headquarters, calling for a halt to the IDF’s Gaza expansion plans, which they said risked hostages’ lives.
Hundreds of demonstrators, including families of hostages still being held in Gaza, gathered in Tel Aviv on Wednesday night to protest Israel’s plan to expand the war and fully take over Gaza, N12 reported.
The protesters marched through the city and passed the gates of the Kirya military compound in Tel Aviv. They called for a halt to the expansion of IDF operations in Gaza, which they said would put the lives of the hostages still held by Hamas at risk.
During the demonstration, clashes broke out with the Israel Police, who forcibly removed Michel Illouz, the father of hostage Guy Illouz.
According to N12, the protest was also joined by former hostages Yocheved Lifshitz and Ohad Ben-Ami, who called for negotiations for a full hostage deal to continue.
“The occupation of the Strip could lead to the loss of the lives of our loved ones,” they warned.
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Tel Aviv to protest Israel’s plan to expand the war and fully take over Gaza on August 6, 2025. (credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI)
Danny Miran, the father of hostage Omri Miran, spoke during the protest and said: “I appeal to the cabinet members – the decision to occupy the Strip will be a sure death for my son.”
Ella Ben Ami, whose parents were both kidnapped and returned from captivity in a previous hostage deal, stated, “Tomorrow, the cabinet ministers will make a decision for the hostages who are still there. We saw Evyatar and Rom – they don’t have another day. If the decision tomorrow in the cabinet is to sacrifice their lives, we will go crazy,” she said, referring to videos shared by Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) of the two emaciated hostages.
Netanyahu supports full Gaza occupation
On Monday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reached a decision to support the full occupation of the Gaza Strip, including operations in areas where hostages are held, a source in the Prime Minister’s Office told The Jerusalem Post on Monday.
The government’s plan for Gaza, backed by Netanyahu, is set to be presented to the security cabinet on Thursday and is expected to include plans to occupy new portions of the enclave, sources told the Post on Wednesday.
IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir is expected to remain in his position and not resign despite his opposition to the plan. “The operation is a mistake and will endanger the hostages,” Zamir said during a discussion on Tuesday.