Hundreds of thousands of Israelis demanded a hostage deal at a rally in Tel Aviv on Sunday evening. It was likely the largest demonstration of its kind since the start of the war almost two years ago. The participants appealed to the government to end the war in the Gaza Strip and ensure the release of the hostages.
The activists had called for a nationwide strike on Sunday. Numerous Israelis gathered at various locations, including in front of the private homes of several ministers, such as Strategy Minister Ron Dermer (Likud).
They also blocked roads and clashed with police. Officers used water cannons and, according to their own statements, arrested more than 30 demonstrators. According to the hostage families, one million of Israel's ten million inhabitants participated in the protests.
Protest against conquest plan
The protest day was called by the "October Council," a group of hostage and victim families, as well as former hostages and survivors of the October 7th terror massacre. The protest was prompted by the government's decision on August 8th to capture Gaza City.
According to a report by the Times of Israel, hundreds of government agencies, businesses, companies, universities, and other organizations joined the protests. The Histadrut union did not participate, but its leader, Arnon Bar-David, spoke at the rally in Tel Aviv's Hostage Square.
Herzog calls for pressure on Hamas
President Yitzhak Herzog also addressed the demonstrators. He emphasized that there was no Israeli who did not want the hostages returned. Opposition leader Yair Lapid (Yesh Atid), former President Reuven Rivlin, and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant also attended the rally.
Herzog also addressed the international community, urging world leaders and the media to put pressure on Hamas. "We want the hostages back as soon as possible. The world should have them back as soon as possible. Stop being a bunch of hypocrites."
Former hostage warns of military pressure
Former hostage Arbel Yehud warned that military pressure would not free the hostages, but would kill them. "The only way to bring the hostages back is a deal – all at once, no games." Yehud was released at the end of January. Her friend Ariel Cunio is among the 50 hostages still in the Gaza Strip; 30 of them are presumed dead.
With her demand, Jehud challenged the view of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (Likud). He had consistently emphasized that hostage negotiations were only successful in combination with military pressure.
Netanyahu: Hamas must be defeated
Netanyahu, however, criticized the protests. At the weekly cabinet meeting on Sunday morning, he said: "Those who demand an end to the war without a victory against Hamas not only reinforce Hamas's position or delay the hostage rescue, but also ensure that the events of October 7th are repeated."
To prevent this, the decision was made to conquer Gaza City. "To advance the liberation of our hostages and ensure that Gaza never again poses a threat, we must finish the job and defeat Hamas."
Preparations for conquest
It was also announced on Sunday that Israel is establishing a new humanitarian corridor in the southern Gaza Strip. It is intended for people being evacuated from Gaza City. The Jerusalem Post reports that water supplies are currently being set up. Israel is also coordinating with international organizations for medical assistance.
According to a media report, Army Chief Ejal Samir will present a plan for the conquest of Gaza City to the Ministry of Defense on Tuesday. The plan reportedly calls for the deployment of at least 80,000 soldiers. Last week, the army stated that it had already conducted operations against terrorist targets in the Seitun district. (Israelnetz)
