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Tens of thousands of Israelis rallied in Tel Aviv on Sunday evening in one of the largest demonstrations since the war in Gaza began in October 2023, demanding an immediate end to the conflict and the release of remaining hostages held by Hamas.
The evening rally capped a day of nationwide protests and a general strike organized by the Hostage and Missing Families Forum, which estimated that 500,000 people participated in the Tel Aviv demonstration. Police have not confirmed the attendance figure.
"Bring them all home! Stop the war!" crowds chanted in the city's Hostage Square, which has served as a focal point for anti-war demonstrations throughout the 22-month conflict.
The protests came as Israel's security cabinet approved plans to expand military operations into Gaza City, prompting fierce domestic opposition and international concern over the humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian territory.
Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan remains in captivity, addressed the crowd with an emotional appeal that captured the protesters' frustration with the government's approach.
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"We demand a comprehensive and achievable agreement and an end to the war. We demand what is rightfully ours — our children," said Zangauker, a leading figure in the protest movement. "The Israeli government has transformed a just war into a pointless war."
Her remarks came after Israeli media published a video message from her son, showing the hostage appearing weak and emaciated as he addressed his family. The footage, filmed by Hamas and later recovered by Israeli forces in Gaza, added urgency to families' calls for government action.
"This is probably the last minute we have to save the hostages," demonstrator Ofir Penso, 50, told reporters.
The coordinated protest campaign aimed to "shut down the country," according to organizers. Demonstrators blocked major traffic arteries across Israel, set fires and clashed with police, resulting in more than 30 arrests.
However, the strike's impact appeared uneven. In Jerusalem's main shopping district, businesses operated normally, with one shop assistant explaining that while her employer supported the hostage campaign, the store chose not to participate in the work stoppage.
"Everyone is helping the way they can," she said.
The demonstrations exposed sharp political divisions within Israeli society over the government's war strategy. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the protesters, arguing their actions "not only harden Hamas's position and draw out the release of our hostages, but also ensure that the horrors of October 7 will reoccur."
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a far-right coalition member, condemned what he called "a perverse and harmful campaign that plays into the hands of Hamas" and amounts to calls for "surrender."
Opposition leader Benny Gantz offered a contrasting view, condemning the government for "attacking the families of the hostages" while "bearing responsibility for the captivity of their children by Hamas for nearly two years."
Despite the protests, Israeli military chief of staff Lieutenant General Eya Zamir announced Sunday that forces would proceed with operations "focusing on Gaza City." Israeli Army Radio reported that residents would be evacuated before troops encircle and capture the area in coming weeks, with tens of thousands of reservists being mobilized.
Hamas warned the expanded offensive would result in "a new wave of extermination and mass displacement."
The planned escalation has drawn international concern, with UN-backed experts warning of widespread famine in Gaza, where Israel maintains strict limits on humanitarian aid deliveries. On Sunday alone, Gaza's civil defense agency reported that Israeli strikes killed over 60 Palestinians, including at least 37 people waiting to collect food aid near distribution sites.
Egypt has indicated that mediators are pursuing a renewed push for a 60-day ceasefire agreement that would include hostage releases, following unsuccessful talks in Qatar.
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