By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Tens of thousands of protesters flooded Tel Aviv on Sunday, calling for an immediate halt to the Gaza war and the return of hostages. The rally, one of the largest since the conflict began in October 2023, followed a nationwide general strike aimed at pressuring the government to end its military actions. The demonstration took place in Hostage Square, a central site for protests throughout the war, where the crowd chanted for peace and the resolution of the hostage crisis.
Organized by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, the protest drew an estimated 500,000 people, though this figure has not been confirmed by police. The movement gained momentum after a video of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker, visibly weak and emaciated, was released, intensifying calls for action. Zangauker’s mother, a prominent figure in the protest, demanded an end to the war and a practical agreement for the safe return of the hostages.
Protests spread across Israel, with demonstrators blocking roads, setting tires on fire, and clashing with law enforcement. More than 30 arrests were reported. Prime Minister Netanyahu criticized the protests, claiming they would only strengthen Hamas and prolong the hostage crisis. Meanwhile, opposition leader Benny Gantz condemned the government for failing to address the suffering of hostage families, accusing them of being complicit in their prolonged captivity.
The war, which has raged for nearly two years, has caused immense loss of life, with over 61,000 Palestinians reported killed, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region remains dire. Despite efforts by mediators to broker a 60-day truce that includes the release of hostages, recent talks have failed to achieve a breakthrough.
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