ISRAEL / GAZA

Tens of thousands of Israelis rally against any escalation of the Gaza War

August 2025: After Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) could expand its operations in the Gaza Strip and take over Gaza City, tens of thousands of Israelis took to the streets in Tel Aviv and other Israeli cities on Saturday (9 August 2025), after the Sabbath. to oppose the government’s plans.

 

The protests, which were some of the biggest in months, came days after the cabinet decided to seize the densely populated Palestinian city despite the military’s objections that the move would imperil the captives, needlessly endanger troops, and deepen the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

 

Earlier last week, the Israeli government faced sharp criticism at home and abroad, including from some of its closest European allies, over the announcement that the military would expand the war. Germany, one of Israel’s closest allies, announced that it would no longer supply arms which could be used in Gaza.

 

Public opinion polls in Israel show an overwhelming majority of citizens favour an immediate end to the war to secure the release of the remaining 50 hostages held by militants in Gaza. Israeli officials believe about 20 hostages are still alive.

 

The Times of Israel reported that The Families Forum, which represents the majority of the hostage families, also held rallies in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, the Shaar HaNegev Junction in the south, and Kiryat Gat, with smaller gatherings in dozens of other locations. Speakers warned the Israeli government that intensifying the war would endanger the remaining hostages.

 

Speakers also urged Israeli soldiers to refuse to serve in any expanded fighting. “The mission you’ll be given is participation in the killing of hostages,” said Shai Mozes, nephew of former hostage Gadi Mozes, in a speech before thousands of people at the demonstration. “In this situation, there is no other choice but to refuse.”

 

The mother of a combat officer in the IDF reserves told the listening crowd that soldiers are wasting away physically and mentally and are deprived of proper defensive equipment. The Gaza City takeover plan “puts Israel on the sure path to a forever war that will cause the death of the hostages, cause the deaths of hundreds of soldiers, cause the destruction of Israel’s image,” she said. “Don’t agree to enter Gaza,” she urged. “Refuse to participate in an overtly illegal war.”

 

Sources: The Times of Israel; Reuters

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