Tens of thousands of Israelis staged strikes and rallies across the country on Sunday, urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to strike a deal with Hamas to end the war in Gaza and secure the release of remaining hostages.
Waving flags and carrying photos of captives, demonstrators blocked highways, including the main route between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, as whistles and drums echoed in city squares. “Today, everything stops to remember the highest value: the sanctity of life,” said Anat Angrest, whose son Matan remains a hostage in Gaza.
Some businesses closed in solidarity, while others allowed staff to join the strike. Schools were unaffected, being on summer recess. Actress Gal Gadot, a Tel Aviv native and Hollywood star, joined families of hostages at one rally, lending support to their call.
Police detained at least 38 protesters by midday after scuffles erupted during road blockages. Demonstrations briefly halted in the afternoon when air raid sirens sounded across Tel Aviv and Jerusalem during a missile attack from Yemen. The missile was intercepted without casualties.
Israel believes around 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with only about 20 still alive. Families fear Netanyahu’s push to expand the military campaign and seize Gaza City could endanger them.
“There is no time – not for the lives wasting away in hell, nor for the fallen who may vanish in the ruins of Gaza,” said the Hostages Families Forum.
Netanyahu, however, dismissed calls for a ceasefire. “Those who call today for an end to the war without defeating Hamas are not only hardening Hamas’ position and delaying the release of our hostages. They are also ensuring the horrors of October 7 will repeat themselves,” he told his cabinet.
The nearly two-year war, triggered by Hamas’ October 2023 assault that killed 1,200 Israelis and saw 251 taken captive, has devastated Gaza. Local health officials say more than 61,000 Palestinians have been killed, including at least 29 in the past day.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid, who attended a Tel Aviv rally, praised the protests. “The only thing that strengthens the country is the wonderful spirit of the people who are going out today for Israeli solidarity,” he posted on X.
Written By Rodney Mbua
