Thousands protest in Israel against Netanyahu’s plan to escalate Gaza war

A statement by the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office on Friday said that the security cabinet had decided to seize Gaza City.

By: Express Web Desk

August 10, 2025 08:38 AM IST

3 min read

Relatives and supporters of Israeli hostages held in the Gaza Strip attend a rally demanding their release from Hamas captivity and calling for an end to the war, in Tel Aviv, Israel. (AP Photo)

After the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to escalate the Gaza war by taking over the territory, thousands of protesters took to the streets of Tel Aviv on Saturday night to oppose the plan and ensure the return of hostages.

A statement by the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office on Friday said that the security cabinet had decided to seize Gaza City, which meant an escalation of military operations in the devastated Palestinian territory despite the protests and opposition from the public and a warning from the military that widening the war could endanger the hostages.

As per the organisers of the Saturday’s protest in Tel Aviv, more than 100,000 demonstrators attended the rally and demanded an immediate end to the military campaign and for the release of hostages.

Relatives and supporters of Israeli hostages held in the Gaza Strip attend a rally demanding their release from Hamas captivity and calling for an end to the war, in Tel Aviv, Israel. (AP Photo)

Lishay Miran Lavi, the wife of hostage Omri Miran pleaded with the US President Donald Trump to intervene and immediately bring an end to the war, adding “This isn’t just a military decision. It could be a death sentence for the people we love most,” Reuters reported.

As per the public opinion polls, a majority of the Israelis feel that the Gaza war should end immediately and the 50 remaining hostages be secured by the Israeli forces. Though Israeli officials believe that about 20 hostages are still alive.

Also Read | How the world is responding to Israel’s Gaza takeover decision

The Israeli government, led by PM Netanyahu, has faced sharp criticism by its citizens and some of its closest European allies over their decision to expand the Gaza war. An approval from the full cabinet to take over Gaza City is expected as early as Sunday.

Tel Aviv has seen frequent protests and rallies urging the Netanyahu government to reach a ceasefire and hostage deal with militant group Hamas, which attacked Israel in October 2023 that ignited the war.

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About 1,200 people, mostly Israelis, were killed in the attack carried out by Hamas on October 7, 2023 while 251 people were taken hostage. In retaliation, the Israeli military has killed more than 61,000 Palestinians in the war, according to Gaza’s health ministry.

(with inputs from Reuters)

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