Tel Aviv protests urge an end to Gaza war

Reserve and retired Israeli Air Force pilots protesting, Tel Aviv, Israel August 12, 2025
Reuters

Former Israeli Air Force pilots and activists protested in Tel Aviv yesterday (12 August), demanding an end to the war in Gaza and the release of the remaining hostages. In a separate rally, demonstrators targeted an aid group they accuse of worsening Gaza’s hunger crisis.

Hundreds of former Israeli Air Force pilots and reservists protested outside the military headquarters in Tel Aviv who urged Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir to oppose an expansion of operations, warning it could endanger hostages and civilians.

Retired Israeli Air Force pilot Guy Poran said, “We support and encourage this chief of staff in his objection to the expansion of the Gaza war, which will serve no goal of security for Israel, will risk the death of the hostages, of Israeli soldiers, of many more innocent Palestinians in Gaza. And will reach no strategic goal for Israel.”

Retired military pilot Jacob Bar Or added, “We are calling the government to bring back all the hostages even if it’s meant to stop the war immediately… The time is running out now.”

Separately, demonstrators gathered outside a Tel Aviv hotel where staff from the American Gaza Humanitarian Foundation were reportedly staying, accusing the organisation of worsening Gaza’s hunger crisis.

Israeli conductor Ilan Volkov said, “Aid must flow to all points with UNRWA and other agencies ready to do their work, so food reaches everyone, not just a few.”

The U.N. has refused to work with the Foundation, citing concerns over neutrality and alleging that its operations militarize aid distribution.

The protests come amid continued Israeli bombardments in eastern Gaza City, which reportedly killed at least 11 people overnight.

In Cairo, Hamas leader Khalil Al-Hayya arrived for talks aimed at reviving a stalled U.S.-backed ceasefire plan after negotiations in Qatar broke down in late July.

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