Massive Protests Sweep Israel as Families Demand Hostage Release, End to Gaza War

by Emmitt Barry, with reporting from Worthy News Jerusalem Bureau Staff

(Worthy News) – Tens of thousands of Israelis flooded city centers Sunday in some of the largest demonstrations since the Gaza war began nearly two years ago, demanding that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secure the release of hostages and bring the fighting to an end.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum estimated that more than half a million gathered in central Tel Aviv for the evening rally, while some one million joined nationwide protests and strikes. Demonstrators blocked highways, marched in Jerusalem, Haifa, Beersheba, and other cities, and rallied outside ministers’ homes in what organizers called a day of “civil resistance.”

Clashes and arrests as protests escalate

At least 44 people were arrested across the country, police said, after activists blocked roads and in some cases clashed with officers. In Tel Aviv, protesters lit bonfires near Likud headquarters and briefly shut down the Ayalon Highway. In Hod Hasharon, tensions escalated when a truck driver wielding a metal rod attempted to attack demonstrators at an intersection.

Despite scattered confrontations, much of the day passed in solemn unity. In Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, captivity survivor Ilana Gritzewsky staged a symbolic “wedding” for her partner, hostage Matan Zangauker. “I love you, I promise I will fight for you… We don’t give up,” she declared through tears.

Hostage families’ appeal to Trump

During the Tel Aviv rally, organizers screened a video message from recently released captives Naama Levy, Ohad Ben Ami, Doron Steinbrecher, Sasha Troufanov, Arbel Yehoud, and Iair Horn, along with Michal Lubanov, widow of slain hostage Alex Lubanov. Speaking in English, they directly appealed to U.S. President Donald Trump to intervene.

“Thank you, President Trump, for bringing us home,” Levy said. Troufanov warned: “Every bullet, every strike puts them in danger.” Horn added: “You have the power to make history, to be the president who made peace, ended the war, ended the suffering.”

Netanyahu rejects calls to end war

Netanyahu denounced the demonstrations, insisting they undermine Israel’s war effort and embolden Hamas. “Those who call today for ending the war without defeating Hamas are not only hardening Hamas’s position and distancing the release of our hostages, they are ensuring the atrocities of October 7 will repeat themselves,” he told his cabinet.

The prime minister reiterated his determination to conquer Gaza City, a move approved earlier this month despite warnings it could endanger the hostages. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel would not accept Hamas’s demand for a full withdrawal, saying such a move would “allow Hamas to regroup, rearm, and attack us again.”

Divided hostage families

While most hostage families back the protests, a smaller group, the Tikva Forum, opposes them, arguing demonstrations strengthen Hamas. “The goal of the strike is to stop the war, not to return the hostages,” said Ditza Or, mother of hostage Avinatan Or.

Reports of partial deal talks

Despite Netanyahu’s public insistence on an “all-or-nothing” deal, Israeli media reported that the government is open to a phased agreement with Hamas. Such a deal could see roughly half of the living hostages released in exchange for a temporary ceasefire. Negotiations, mediated by Qatar and Egypt, remain ongoing.

National strike underscores public pressure

Sunday’s demonstrations coincided with a nationwide strike joined by municipalities, universities, tech firms, and businesses, though the powerful Histadrut labor federation abstained. “The people voted with their feet,” the Hostages Families Forum declared. “In one clear voice: bring the hostages and soldiers home and end the war.”

As of now, 50 hostages remain in Gaza — 20 believed alive, 28 confirmed dead, and two unaccounted for. Israel has recovered 49 bodies and freed more than 140 captives through previous deals and military rescues.

With the war entering its 681st day, the protests signaled intensifying public anger over the government’s handling of both the hostages and the broader conflict. Whether the unprecedented demonstrations will shift Netanyahu’s strategy — or Hamas’s bargaining stance — remains uncertain.

Reporting contributed by Worthy News staff and wire services.

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