Massive Rally in Tel Aviv Demands an End to Gaza War

Tens of thousands of people filled the streets of Tel Aviv on Sunday night, staging one of the biggest demonstrations since the Gaza conflict began in October 2023. The protest came just hours after a nationwide strike, as Israelis increased pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to call off the war and reach a deal to free hostages still held in Gaza.

Crowds marched toward Hostage Square, a focal point of public dissent since the war started, holding banners and chanting slogans such as *“Stop the war now!”* and *“Bring them all home!”*. The square has long served as the central gathering spot for relatives of hostages and anti-war campaigners.

The strike earlier in the day disrupted businesses, transportation, and some public services, showing the growing frustration with the government’s refusal to end the conflict. Many shops in Tel Aviv and other cities shut their doors in solidarity, while several local councils joined calls for a ceasefire.

At the rally, families of hostages spoke to the crowd, urging the government to accept a deal that would bring their loved ones back alive. Some relatives accused Netanyahu of prioritizing political survival over the lives of those still in captivity. Protest organizers argued that prolonging the war only deepens suffering for both Israelis and Palestinians.

The protest was largely peaceful, though heavily policed, with officers blocking off key roads around the city to manage the flow of demonstrators. Organizers claimed attendance reached into the tens of thousands, making it among the largest turnouts since the early stages of the conflict.

Government officials have so far resisted mounting public pressure, insisting that military operations must continue until Hamas is defeated. Netanyahu has repeatedly rejected calls for an immediate ceasefire, saying Israel’s security depends on ensuring Hamas cannot regroup or launch future attacks.

Still, the weekend’s strike and mass protest signaled a shift in public mood, with more Israelis demanding that leaders put an end to a war that has dragged on for nearly two years. Many demonstrators vowed to continue protesting until the government changes course.