TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Dozens of demonstrators gathered in Tel Aviv on Sunday night, calling for an end to the war in Gaza and the release of hostages. It was one of the largest protests in Israel since the conflict began in October 2023.
According to Al Arabiya, the rally capped a nationwide protest and a full-day general strike aimed at pressuring the government to halt its military campaign in Gaza. “Bring them all home! Stop the war!” chanted the crowd at Tel Aviv’s “Hostage Square.”
The Hostage Family Forum, which organized the demonstration, estimated that about 500,000 people joined the protest.
“We demand a comprehensive and achievable agreement and an end to the war. We demand what is rightfully ours — our children,” said Einav Zangauker, mother of hostage Matan and a leading voice in the movement.
She told the audience that the Israeli government had turned “a just war into a pointless war.”
National media aired a video message on Sunday, August 17, 2025, showing Matan Zangauker, who appeared weak and thin, speaking to his family. The family said the video was recorded by Hamas and recovered in Gaza by Israeli soldiers.
“This is probably the last minute we have to save the hostages,” said demonstrator Ofir Penso, 50.
The protest came just over a week after Israel’s security cabinet approved a plan to seize Gaza City. The Hostage Campaign Forum vowed that demonstrators would shut down the country to demand the return of hostages and an end to the war.
Across Israel, protesters blocked roads, burned tires, and clashed with police. Authorities arrested more than 30 people.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced the demonstrations, saying they hardened Hamas’ stance, delayed the release of hostages, and risked repeating the events of October 7, 2023.
Right-wing Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich also condemned the rally, calling it a dangerous campaign that only benefited Hamas.
Opposition leader Benny Gantz, however, criticized the government for attacking the hostages’ families, stressing that it was the state’s responsibility to secure their release after nearly two years in captivity.
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