Tens of thousands of people took part in demonstrations across Israel on Tuesday, blocking highways and holding rallies to push Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu into agreeing a deal to end the war. The protests aimed to stop plans to attack Gaza City and called for Netanyahu’s government to release hostages held by Hamas.
Relatives of hostages led marches in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, while hundreds gathered outside the prime minister’s office as the security cabinet met to discuss the war. Dozens of other protests took place across the country, including near Haifa and Ben Gurion airport.
Netanyahu has dismissed warnings that attacking Gaza City would harm Palestinians and put 20 hostages at risk. However, a ceasefire agreement is still on the table, with Hamas accepting the deal in the past. The international community, including Qatar’s foreign ministry, has called for Israel to respond seriously to the proposal.
A majority of Israelis support ending the war as part of a ceasefire deal to free all remaining hostages. Concerns about food shortages and two years of war have driven this sentiment. While some protests include calls for an end to famine and slaughter of Palestinians, these are minority views.
Netanyahu faces pressure from far-right parties in his coalition government who say they will quit if he agrees to a ceasefire deal. Critics, including relatives of hostages, accuse him of prolonging the war to advance his career. Netanyahu claims military force is needed to protect Israel’s security and put pressure on Hamas to release hostages.
As protesters took to the streets, some expressed little hope that Netanyahu would change course but wanted to stand up against his policies. The Israeli public wants an end to the war and a ceasefire deal to bring back their loved ones and alleviate Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/26/israeli-protesters-stage-day-of-disruption-calling-for-end-to-war-in-gaza