Local media has described the anti-government gathering as one of the largest in 22 months of conflict.
Thousands of Israeli demonstrators converged on the streets of Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and other cities on Saturday evening to voice their opposition to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposed plan to seize Gaza City. This marks one of the most substantial protests witnessed against the war in Gaza, which began following Hamas militants’ assault on Israel in October 2023.
The rallies, advocating for an immediate ceasefire agreement, attracted more than 100,000 participants and were organized by the families of captives held by Hamas. They express concern that taking control of Gaza City could escalate the war and result in further casualties among soldiers and hostages.
Relatives of both the captives and fallen soldiers intend to appeal to private companies, organizations, trade unions, and ordinary citizens to engage in a nationwide general strike.
Netanyahu’s security cabinet endorsed a plan on Friday for “concluding the war” with Hamas in Gaza. The government proceeded despite warnings from the army that such an operation risks the lives of the remaining hostages, in addition to potentially instigating a humanitarian crisis.
The cabinet approved five key principles to bring an end to the war, including the disarming of Hamas, the return of all hostages, and the demilitarization of Gaza.
Shortly before the cabinet session, Netanyahu indicated that Israel intended to transfer governance of Gaza to unspecified “Arab forces that will govern it properly.”
The plan has drawn extensive criticism both domestically and internationally, including from the opposition and some of Israel’s closest allies. Numerous Western nations, with the exception of the US, have condemned the decision to seize Gaza City and urged Israel to reconsider.
Israeli far-right proponents advocating for the continuation of the war, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, have called for the annexation of significant portions of Gaza.
About 1,200 individuals, predominantly Israelis, were killed, and 251 were abducted and taken to Gaza during Hamas’ attack on October 7, 2023. Approximately 50 hostages remain unaccounted for in the enclave, with only about 20 of them believed to still be alive.