Mass Protests Erupt in Tel Aviv Against Gaza Occupation Plan
Tel Aviv, August 9, 2025 — Tens of thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv on Saturday to protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to militarily occupy Gaza City, a move critics say will endanger remaining hostages and deepen the humanitarian crisis.
According to Reuters, protesters filled central Tel Aviv’s streets, holding banners and chanting for an immediate ceasefire. Many participants were relatives of the roughly 50 hostages still believed to be held in Gaza,of whom only about 20 are thought to be alive. Demonstrators called on the government to prioritise negotiations and urged U.S. President Donald Trump to help broker a deal to secure the hostages’ release.
The Guardian reported that more than 100,000 people took part in the demonstration, making it one of the largest anti-government rallies since the war began nearly two years ago. The protest movement, which has steadily gained momentum, has united a broad cross-section of Israeli society opposed to further escalation in Gaza.
Spanish daily El País noted that similar rallies were held in other cities across Israel. It highlighted testimony from Lishay Miran-Lavi, whose husband remains captive in Gaza, describing her fear that the occupation plan will put hostages at greater risk. “Every day, every hour counts for the hostages,” she said, calling for urgent action to prevent further loss of life.
The government has defended its strategy, arguing that controlling Gaza City is essential to dismantling Hamas’s military infrastructure. However, opposition leaders, human rights groups, and hostage families say the plan will prolong the conflict and further harm civilians.
The protests reflect growing public dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the war and its impact on Israeli society. With no clear resolution in sight, pressure is mounting on Netanyahu to reconsider his approach as international calls for restraint intensify.
