Hundreds of thousands of Israelis took to the streets on Sunday in a massive nationwide strike and day of protest, demanding an immediate end to the conflict in Gaza and a deal to secure the release of remaining hostages. Organized by groups representing families of the captives, the demonstrations brought daily life to a standstill, with roads blocked and many businesses closed.
The “day of stoppage” marked a significant escalation of public frustration after nearly two years of war. Protesters gathered in dozens of locations across the country, including major cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, blocking key highways and intersections. Footage showed demonstrators lighting bonfires and being met with water cannons by police, who arrested dozens.
At the heart of the unrest is the government’s recent approval of a plan to expand its military offensive into densely populated areas of Gaza City. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which spearheaded the protest, expressed grave concern that such an escalation would endanger the lives of the estimated 50 hostages still held captive. Chants of “We don’t win a war over the bodies of hostages” were heard at rallies.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has criticized the demonstrations, with the prime minister arguing that ending the war without defeating Hamas would risk a repeat of the October 7, 2023, attack. However, opposition figures and family members of the hostages maintain that a ceasefire is the only viable path to bringing the captives home.