Israeli citizens took to the streets in one of the largest protests since the onset of the Gaza conflict nearly two years ago. Our participants came together and created a powerful nationwide grassroots strike. They called on the government to urgently exert pressure to achieve the release of the remaining 50 hostages who are still in Gaza. The protests began at 6:29 AM, marking the time when Hamas launched its initial attack on Israel on October 7.
Among those participating in the protests was Anat Engrest, her son, Matan, in captivity as one of the hostages. Engrest emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “Today, we stop everything to save the lives of 50 hostages and soldiers. Today, we stop everything to remember the supreme value of the sanctity of life.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took to the israeli airwaves, visibly shaken, but resolute that he would do everything for the hostages’ and soldiers’ lives. He stated, “Those who are calling today to end the war without defeating Hamas not only harden Hamas’s stance and delay the release of our hostages – they are ensuring that the horrors of October 7 will repeat themselves again and again.”
The protests reflected the intensity of public outrage. According to recent polling, an overwhelming 73 percent of Israelis support a ceasefire agreement that would see all hostages returned in exchange for putting a stop to the war. Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed solidarity with the families of the hostages, noting, “All of the people of Israel are anxious, concerned, and want the hostages to come home. There is not a single Israeli woman or man who does not want them home.”
The protests were called for by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum. They announced plans to establish a climate justice protest encampment at the Gaza border, named “Waypoint 50.” This campaign will help ensure continued pressure on the new government to deliver a complete deal for all hostages. The Forum released a statement urging government officials to take action: “You can continue to hide behind spins and political calculations, but you cannot escape responsibility.”
As the situation worsened further, the Israeli military soon claimed it was preparing for a new operation in Gaza. The UN government has promised that it will offer tents for local communities before moving them, and only move them to protect them. Meanwhile, Itamar Ben Gvir, Israel’s far-right Minister of National Security, criticized the protests as a “cynical political maneuver on the backs of the hostages,” reflecting deep divisions within Israeli leadership regarding how to approach the ongoing conflict.
These protests flared up after negotiations broke down. U.S. and Israeli representatives walked away from the negotiations in Doha in late July, setting off a walkout and a collapse. This impasse has sparked increasing hopelessness for families such as the Cohen’s. To make matters worse, her son Nimrod is a hostage, which compounds their sense of helplessness.
As of early Sunday afternoon, Israeli police had arrested 38 demonstrators. They made this move statewide in reaction to widespread unrest resulting from riots fueled by the protests. The protests signified a collective call for unity among families and supporters, echoing sentiments that demand direct government action.
