Thousands of Israelis took to the streets on Sunday in nationwide protests calling for the release of hostages still held in Gaza. Demonstrators urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reach an agreement with Hamas to end the war and secure the captives’ freedom.
Protesters gathered across the country waving Israeli flags, beating drums, and carrying photos of missing relatives. Some blocked major roads, including the main highway linking Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
The demonstrations, part of a wider strike, were organized by families of hostages demanding urgent action.
“Today, everything stops to remember the sanctity of life,” said Anat Angrest, mother of hostage Matan Angrest, during a rally in Tel Aviv. Among those who met with the families was Israeli actress Gal Gadot, famous for her role as Wonder Woman.
Ahead of the strike, several institutions and businesses allowed workers to join the demonstrations, while others stayed open. Schools were unaffected as they are currently on summer recess. A major evening rally was also scheduled in Tel Aviv.
Israeli police reported detaining 38 protesters by midday after clashes broke out while clearing blocked roads. Demonstrations briefly paused when air raid sirens sounded in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem following a missile launch from Yemen, which was intercepted without damage.
The nationwide protests came as Netanyahu reaffirmed his government’s decision to expand military operations in Gaza, including plans to seize Gaza City. The move has been criticized both domestically and internationally. Families of hostages fear that an escalation could endanger their loved ones.
Currently, 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with officials believing only around 20 are still alive. The Hostages Families Forum said time was running out and urged the government to act before more lives were lost.
Talks aimed at a ceasefire and hostage release collapsed in July. Hamas has maintained that captives will only be freed if Israel ends the war, while Netanyahu insists Hamas cannot remain in power.
After nearly two years of conflict, pressure is mounting on the Israeli government as the nationwide protests gain strength, reflecting widespread frustration with the ongoing war and uncertainty over the hostages’ fate.
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