A massive Israeli crowd appeared on the streets on Sunday, launching a nationwide grassroots strike and widespread protest to demand that the government secure the release of 50 hostages in Gaza.
In one of the biggest coordinated demonstrations since the start of the Gaza War almost two years ago, protesters blocked major roads in big cities, shutting down private businesses and blocking phased rallies.
People also protested outside the homes of government ministers. Organizers estimated that hundreds of thousands of people took part in the cross-Israel strike.
The day of protest began at 6:29am. This is the exact time Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israel on October 7th.
The hostage families led the strike alongside the council in October, representing the families of the families of the families from the war, held a press conference in Tel Aviv and announced a “emergency break” until the hostages were released.
“Today, we will stop everything to save the lives of 50 hostages and soldiers. Today, we will stop everything to remember the highest value of the sacredness of life,” said Anat engrest, whose son Mathan is being held hostage in Gaza.
Polls have repeatedly shown that the majority of Israeli people support ceasefire contracts to release all hostages in exchange for the end of the war. The final round of negotiations fell apart in late July. The US and Israel withdraw their team from their talks in Doha, accusing Hamas of not negotiating in good faith.
“We are integrated into one simple request directed at the Israeli government. Put Israeli proposals on the table today for a comprehensive deal, to end the war in exchange for the resurrection of the last hostages. “Now is the time to end the horrifying nightmare. The whole country has been living for 22 months.”
The strike was announced following Israeli security guards’ decision to expand the war and take over Gaza city despite Israeli forces’ warnings that Israeli forces could put 50 hostages in danger.
Israeli forces say the operation will begin “soon” and that the government will provide tents to local people before relocating them “for protection.” Almost all of Gaza’s population is evacuated, and many people are forced to travel multiple times.
As of early Sunday afternoon, Israeli police say 38 protesters have been arrested nationwide for disturbing peace.
Histadr, Israel’s largest labor organization, encouraged employers to participate, but did not take part in the strike. However, many technology companies, law firms, academic institutions and private sector companies have announced their participation and support, along with citizens who have declared they would either take leave or refrain from business transactions.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed his support for hostage families while visiting a central rally in Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square. “All people in Israel are worried, worried, and hoping that hostages will return home. There is no Israeli woman or a man who doesn’t want to go home,” Herzog said.
However, members of the Israeli government condemned the day of protest.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at the Cabinet meeting:
Itamar Ben Gwil, the Minister of Far Right, said the strike was “a sarcastic political manipulation of the hostage backs,” which led to years of anti-government protests.
Hostages and missing family forums representing most of the remaining hostages in Gaza, “can continue to hide behind spins and political calculations, but we cannot escape responsibility.”
The forum announced plans to set up a protest camp at the Gaza border, known as “Waypoint 50,” to represent the 50 hostages, and continued to pressure the government to secure release.
