Tens of Thousands Rally Across Israel Against Gaza City Takeover, Demand Hostage Deal
by Worthy News Jerusalem Bureau Staff
(Worthy News) – Tens of thousands of Israelis took to the streets Saturday night to protest the government’s decision to seize Gaza City, warning that the move could doom remaining hostages and drag the nation into a prolonged and deadly conflict.
The demonstrations — among the largest in months — coincided with Tu B’Av, the Jewish festival of love, and were dominated by calls from hostage families for a comprehensive deal to free the 50 captives still held in the Gaza Strip. Rallies were held in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Kiryat Gat, Shaar HaNegev, and dozens of other locations nationwide.
In Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, Ilana Gritzewsky — wife of captive Matan Zangauker and herself a former hostage — captured the night’s emotional tone. “How can we celebrate love when our loved ones are imprisoned in the dark?” she asked, urging U.S. President Donald Trump to “sign the deal to get everyone out and end the war now.”
Former hostage Sharon Aloni-Cunio spoke of the emotional toll since her husband David was captured. “My daughter asks if her father doesn’t love her anymore because he hasn’t come back,” she said, condemning leaders who, she argued, are willing to “sacrifice the hostages” to expand the war.
Survivor Eliya Cohen, freed in a previous hostage deal, warned that intensifying combat in Gaza would endanger those still in captivity. “I know what it’s like to come back in a partial deal. I live with daily feelings of guilt and don’t wish on anyone to leave a brother behind,” he told the crowd.
Protests near the IDF’s Tel Aviv headquarters included fiery speeches urging soldiers to refuse orders for the planned Gaza City operation, which was approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet despite military warnings that it could kill hostages and deepen the humanitarian crisis.
Some demonstrators blocked the Ayalon Highway — one of Israel’s busiest routes — for hours before being cleared by police.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, representing the majority of hostage families, is pressing for a nationwide general strike to halt the government’s plans. However, Israel’s national labor federation, Histadrut, has indicated it is unlikely to support such action after a labor court previously ruled political strikes illegal.
Meanwhile, Israeli officials hinted that Hamas may return to negotiations following global outrage over recent propaganda videos showing emaciated hostages. Channel 12 reported a “chance of a partial deal soon,” though it remains unclear whether the Gaza City takeover plan is intended to pressure Hamas into a broader U.S.-backed agreement.
Netanyahu has stressed that Israel’s aim is to destroy Hamas, free the hostages, and hand Gaza over to a transitional Arab administration — not to annex or permanently occupy the territory.
Terror groups in Gaza are believed to be holding 50 hostages, including 20 thought to be alive and the bodies of at least 28 confirmed dead.
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