Tens of thousands of protesters gathered across Israel to demand an end to the war in Gaza and the release of captives held in the besieged enclave. The nationwide demonstration turned violent as police made dozens of arrests and used water cannons on protesters who chanted “We don’t win a war over the bodies of hostages.”
The protests, which were organized by families of captive Israelis and bereaved families, called for a deal to be reached with Hamas to secure the release of the 50 captives believed to remain in Gaza, only about 20 of whom are thought to be alive. The demonstrations came as Israeli forces intensified attacks on Gaza City, forcing tens of thousands of Palestinians to flee.
Israeli celebrities, including actress Gal Gadot and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, joined the protests, while opposition leader Yair Lapid called for an end to the war and the release of hostages. Former captive Arbel Yehoud emphasized that military pressure will not bring back the captives, only lead to their death.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum declared a nationwide strike, with businesses, municipalities, and even major theatres in Tel Aviv shutting down as a show of solidarity. The protests were met with condemnation from senior government figures, who described them as “a perverse and harmful campaign that plays into the hands of Hamas.”
As tensions rise, Israeli President Isaac Herzog urged international pressure on Hamas rather than halting the war, while opposition leaders like Benny Gantz condemned the government for “attacking the families of the hostages.” The protests are part of a growing movement in Israel to bring an end to the war and secure the release of captives held in Gaza.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/17/israelis-hold-nationwide-protest-to-end-gaza-war-bring-back-the-hostages