Hundreds of Thousands of Israelis Block Roads, Fill Street to Call For End to Gaza War, Freedom of Hostages
By: Israel Adeleke
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports as gathered that hundreds of thousands of Israelis have taken to the streets in nationwide protests, demanding that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government reach an immediate truce with Hamas to secure the release of hostages still held in Gaza and bring an end to the nearly two-year-old war.
OTN News further reports as gathered that the largest demonstration unfolded on Sunday night in Tel Aviv, where the Hostages and Missing Families Forum reported that more than 400,000 people gathered in and around Hostages Square.
Waving Israeli flags and carrying signs bearing the faces of the captives, protesters called on the government to prioritize negotiations over continued military escalation.
The mass rally capped a day of coordinated protests across the country, spearheaded by relatives of the hostages.
Demonstrators blocked major roadways, prompting police to detain at least 38 people for disrupting public order by early afternoon.
Foreign news had earlier in the day reported that, central Tel Aviv, normally bustling with office workers on the first day of Israel’s workweek, was unusually quiet as many stayed away from work to join the demonstrations.
However, turnout figures outside the evening rally remained unclear.
Despite the large-scale mobilization, the protest movement faced limitations. The Histadrut, Israel’s largest labor union, declined to endorse the strike, dampening its nationwide impact.
While some universities signaled participation, most campuses were already quiet due to the summer break.
OTN News observes that the protests come as the Israeli military prepares to expand its offensive across Gaza, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from the international community.
Families of the hostages argue that continued fighting undermines chances of securing their loved ones’ freedom, deepening divisions within Israeli society.
According to Israeli authorities, around 20 surviving hostages and the bodies of about 30 more remain in Gaza nearly two years after the conflict erupted.
The fate of those captives has become one of the most contentious issues in Israel, with hostage families and their allies pressing for a negotiated deal while Netanyahu’s government maintains its commitment to a military solution.
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