Thousands protest in Israel calling for war end and hostages return

Thousands of Israelis gathered in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv Saturday, demanding an end to the war in Gaza and the return of Israeli hostages still held in the Gaza Strip. Protesters waved flags, carried banners with photographs of hostages, and chanted slogans urging a ceasefire.

The protests were organised by families of hostages and activist groups, who say the continued bombardment of Gaza and ongoing warfare risk the lives of those still captive. Among the areas under attack are Sheikh Radwan and Tel Al-Hawa, which Israel says it is targeting to pave the way for advances toward central and western Gaza City. 

According to the Gaza authorities, at least 34 Palestinians have died in Saturday’s attacks. The Israeli forces are dismantling underground shafts and booby-trapped structures in the assault, sources say. 

Relatives of hostages criticised the government for what they call delayed action, arguing that aggressive military operations without parallel diplomatic efforts to secure hostages’ release puts captives at further risk. 

In both Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, protesters marched to symbolic locations. In Tel Aviv, Hostages Square saw large turnouts, while in Jerusalem protests filled Paris Square and other central sites. Many called for Prime Minister Netanyahu to initiate a comprehensive deal with Hamas for hostage releases and a ceasefire.

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