Daijiworld Media Network – Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv, Aug 11: Over 100,000 Israelis took to the streets Saturday night, vehemently opposing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to escalate military operations in Gaza. The protesters demanded an immediate end to the nearly two-year conflict and called for the release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas militants.

The Israeli security cabinet recently decided to seize Gaza City, expanding the war despite widespread public opposition and military warnings that such a move could jeopardize the lives of the approximately 50 hostages still believed alive in Gaza. The full cabinet’s approval is expected soon.

Lishay Miran Lavi, wife of a hostage, appealed to US President Donald Trump to intervene and stop the war, describing the decision as a potential “death sentence for the people we love most.” Public polls show most Israelis favour ending the war to secure hostage releases.

Criticism against the government has grown both domestically and internationally, including from European allies. Protesters carried placards with images of hostages and Gaza children killed in the conflict, reflecting the deep anguish on both sides.

Since Hamas’ attack on October 7, 2023, over 1,200 Israelis have been killed and more than 61,000 Palestinians have died, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Many fear that a full military takeover of Gaza would lead to further bloodshed.

Tel Aviv high school teacher Tal voiced the common sentiment at the rally: “Expanding the war is terrible. It will cause more deaths. We should end the war and withdraw.”