On Saturday night, thousands of people gathered in Tel Aviv, Israel, to protest for an immediate halt to military operations in Gaza and the release of hostages. The demonstrators urged the Israeli government to end the conflict and take urgent humanitarian measures.
The protest came just a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a new plan to occupy Gaza. According to reports by The Guardian, over 100,000 people participated in the rally.
Shahar Mor Zahiro, a relative of a hostage killed in Gaza, warned Netanyahu in an interview, saying, “We are sending a direct message to the Prime Minister — if attacks continue and hostages are killed in Gaza, we will pursue you relentlessly during election campaigns and at every time and place.”
Meanwhile, Lishay Miran Levi, wife of hostage Omri Miran, expressed during the rally, “This is not just a military decision. It could mean death for those we love the most.” She also appealed to U.S. President Donald Trump to intervene and help bring an immediate end to the war.
Last Friday, Netanyahu’s security cabinet approved a plan to take control of Gaza, which has drawn criticism both domestically and internationally.
International powers and some Israeli allies are pushing for negotiations to ensure the release of hostages and to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, but Netanyahu remains steadfast in his stance.
Out of the 251 hostages held by Hamas, the military reports that 49 remain captive in Gaza, with 27 confirmed dead.