Massive Tel Aviv rally demands end to Gaza war, release of hostages, as Netanyahu pushes military expansion despite opposition
Massive Tel Aviv rally demands end to Gaza war, release of hostages, as Netanyahu pushes military expansion despite opposition
More than 100,000 people flooded the streets of Tel Aviv on Saturday night to demand an immediate end to Israel’s nearly two-year war in Gaza and the release of hostages, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government moved to expand military operations.
Chanting and waving Israeli flags, protesters denounced a security cabinet decision to seize Gaza City a move many fear will endanger hostages still held by Hamas. The plan, approved Friday by a small group of senior ministers, will be brought before the full cabinet as early as Sunday for final approval.
“This isn’t just a military decision. It could be a death sentence for the people we love most,” said Lishay Miran Lavi, whose husband, Omri Miran, is among those still captive. She urged US President Donald Trump to intervene to stop the escalation.
Public opinion polls show most Israelis favour ending the war now to secure the release of the remaining 50 hostages, with officials estimating only about 20 are still alive. Most previous releases were achieved through diplomatic negotiations, but talks toward a ceasefire collapsed in July.
“They the government are fanatic. They are doing things against the interests of the country,” said 69-year-old retiree Rami Dar, who travelled from outside Tel Aviv to join the rally.
The protest also drew people carrying placards with the faces of hostages, signs condemning Netanyahu’s leadership, and, in some cases, images of Palestinian children killed in the conflict. Organisers said Saturday’s turnout was one of the largest yet in a city that has seen frequent rallies demanding a ceasefire and a hostage deal.
Since Hamas launched its October 7, 2023 attack, killing about 1,200 people and abducting 251, Israel’s military campaign has killed more than 61,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza health ministry. The ministry reported 39 deaths in the past 24 hours alone. More than 400 Israeli soldiers have also been killed.
Some of Netanyahu’s far-right coalition allies have called for a total takeover of Gaza and even annexation of parts of the enclave. But Israel’s military has warned that such moves could endanger hostages’ lives. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a leading proponent of continuing the war, criticised Netanyahu for not moving faster.
Tal, a 55-year-old high school teacher, called the plan “terrible,” warning it would result in more deaths of both soldiers and civilians. “We don’t have anything to do there. It’s not ours,” she said.
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