Protesters demanding an end to the Gaza war and the release of hostages took to the streets in Israel on Tuesday, hours before a crucial evening security cabinet meeting.
In Tel Aviv, demonstrators blocked major roads, waving Israeli flags and carrying pictures of the hostages, AFP journalists reported. Other rallies were staged near the US embassy branch in the city and outside ministers’ residences.
“Prime Minister (Benjamin) Netanyahu prioritises the destruction of Hamas over releasing the hostages,” said Ruby Chen, whose son was abducted in October 2023. “He believes it is OK and it is a valid alternative to sacrifice 50 hostages for political needs.”
Protests were expected to intensify later in the day. While the cabinet’s agenda was not officially confirmed, Israeli media suggested discussions could center on ongoing ceasefire negotiations and a potential hostage release deal.
Earlier this month, the cabinet approved a military plan to seize Gaza City, sparking fresh fears for hostages’ safety and triggering larger protests. Netanyahu has since pushed for immediate talks to secure the release of all remaining captives, while also reaffirming plans for a new offensive.
The developments come after Hamas accepted a new ceasefire proposal from mediators that would stagger hostage releases over a 60-day period in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Qatar confirmed on Tuesday that Israel had yet to respond to the offer.
Meanwhile, global outrage erupted Monday after Israeli airstrikes hit a Gaza hospital, killing at least 20 people, including five journalists. Netanyahu expressed regret over what he called a “tragic mishap,” while the military launched an inquiry.
According to press watchdogs, nearly 200 journalists have been killed in Gaza since the war began in October 2023, making it one of the deadliest conflicts for media workers. The war, now in its 23rd month, has killed at least 62,819 Palestinians, mostly civilians, according to Gaza’s health ministry figures deemed reliable by the UN. Israel’s October 2023 Hamas attack left 1,219 people dead and saw 251 hostages taken, with 49 still held in Gaza, including 27 confirmed dead.
What you should know
The protests in Israel highlight growing domestic pressure on Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government as the Gaza war drags on.
With tens of thousands rallying, demands for a ceasefire and hostage release are colliding with military plans to expand operations.
Meanwhile, international criticism is mounting after strikes killed civilians and journalists, underscoring the war’s heavy human toll on both sides.
