Tel Aviv, June 30 – Thousands of Israelis flooded the streets of Tel Aviv on Saturday night, demanding a ceasefire in Gaza and a hostage deal to bring back captives held by Hamas since the October 7 attacks.
The protest, one of the largest since the conflict began, saw angry demonstrators waving Israeli flags and holding signs that read “Bring Them Home Now” and “Ceasefire Now.” Families of hostages joined the crowds, accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government of failing to prioritize the lives of citizens over military goals.
“We have waited too long,” said Yael Cohen, whose son has been held in Gaza for over eight months. “Every day that passes, they are suffering. We need this war to end.”
Photo credit: Tomer Neuberg / FLASH90 (The Jerusalem Post)
The demonstrations turned tense when police used water cannons to disperse protesters blocking major roads. At least 13 people were arrested, according to Israeli media.
The rally reflects growing domestic pressure on Netanyahu, whose approval ratings have plummeted. Critics accuse his government of prolonging the war with no clear plan to rescue the remaining hostages or secure a lasting peace.
Meanwhile, ceasefire talks continue behind closed doors. Mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the US are reportedly working on a new framework — but progress remains uncertain.
The war has entered its ninth month, with over 38,000 Palestinians killed, according to Gaza health authorities, and parts of the enclave reduced to rubble. Israeli officials insist the military operations are necessary to eliminate Hamas, but international outcry over civilian deaths continues to grow.