Thousands of Israelis participated in a nationwide strike aimed at supporting families of hostages held in Gaza. The demonstrators called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to negotiate with Hamas for an end to the ongoing conflict and the release of the remaining captives. As protests erupted across the country, participants displayed Israeli flags and carried photos of their loved ones, while the sounds of whistles and drums filled the air. Streets and highways, including the main route between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, were blocked by some protesters.
Anat Angrest, the mother of hostage Matan Angrest, addressed the crowd in Tel Aviv, stating, “Today, everything stops to remember the highest value: the sanctity of life.” Ahead of the protests, several businesses and institutions announced they would allow staff to join the strike. While many establishments closed, others remained operational. Schools were on summer recess and were not affected by the strike. A significant rally was planned for the evening in Tel Aviv.
Israeli police reported detaining 38 demonstrators during the protests, particularly those involved in blocking roads, leading to some scuffles with law enforcement. Opposition leader Yair Lapid attended a rally in Tel Aviv, voicing support for the protesters. He noted, “The only thing that strengthens the country is the wonderful spirit of the people who are going out from home today for Israeli solidarity,” in a message on social media platform X.
In contrast, Netanyahu expressed firm opposition to calls for an end to the conflict without defeating Hamas. He warned that such demands would only strengthen Hamas’ position and hinder the release of hostages. “They are also ensuring that the horrors of October 7 will repeat themselves over and over again,” he stated during a cabinet meeting. The prime minister reaffirmed his government’s intention to proceed with military action to seize Gaza City, despite widespread public unease and fears among families of hostages about the risks involved.
Currently, there are approximately 50 hostages believed to be held by militants in Gaza, with Israeli officials estimating that around 20 are still alive. Since the onset of the conflict prompted by the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, most of the hostages who have been released did so as a result of diplomatic negotiations. Attempts to negotiate a ceasefire that would facilitate further hostage releases collapsed in July.
Hamas has stated it will only release the remaining hostages if Israel agrees to halt its military operations. Netanyahu has consistently maintained that Hamas must not remain in power. The Israeli government has faced significant criticism both domestically and internationally, including from some of its closest European allies, following the announcement of plans to capture Gaza City.
On Sunday, Hamas denounced the military plan as criminal, warning it would displace hundreds of thousands of Palestinians. According to local health officials in Gaza, over 61,000 Palestinians have been killed as a result of Israel’s military campaign, with at least 29 fatalities reported in the past day alone. In the initial Hamas attack on Israel, around 1,200 people were killed, and 251 were taken into Gaza. Since then, over 400 Israeli soldiers have also lost their lives in the ongoing conflict.
The situation remains tense as families of hostages continue to advocate for their loved ones’ release while navigating the complexities of a protracted conflict that has claimed countless lives on both sides.
