Massive protests erupt in Israel against Netanyahu's Gaza war strategy
- Protests featured a massive turnout, with hundreds of thousands participating to demand negotiations for hostage release.
- Demonstrators expressed concerns that Netanyahu's military actions could endanger hostages and result in greater loss of life.
- The growing scale of protests signifies a substantial shift in public sentiment against Netanyahu's policies and the ongoing war in Gaza.
In Israel, on August 17, 2025, hundreds of thousands of protesters mobilized to express their opposition to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's military operations in Gaza. This nationwide movement was fueled by the urgent calls for negotiations to secure the release of approximately 50 remaining hostages held by Hamas since the October 7, 2023, attack. Demonstrators gathered in various cities, with nearly half a million attending a central rally in Tel Aviv's 'hostage square.' Many protesters expressed fear that continued military actions would jeopardize hostages held in Gaza. The events unfolded against the backdrop of increased international criticism of Israel's military strategy in Gaza, which led to heightened domestic unrest. Organizers reported participation from workers across different sectors, with some businesses going on strike to support the demonstrations. Social media posts showed slogans like 'Bring them home' and 'End this war now,' indicating a growing frustration with the government's handling of the conflict. The use of water cannons by police and arrests of demonstrators highlighted the tensions between the protesters and law enforcement authorities. Human rights groups and international leaders have also voiced concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, indicating a broader discontent with Israel's actions. France's President Emmanuel Macron described Israel's decisions as disastrous, underscoring a shift in diplomatic sentiments towards the Israeli government. There are increasing signs that international support for Israel is waning, as governments reconsider military assistance due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis. As a prominent figure in these protests, actress Gal Gadot publicly supported hostages' families, emphasizing their plight and demonstrating solidarity. Her participation drew significant media attention, further highlighting the hostages' situation and the ongoing discourse around Israel's military strategy in Gaza. Activists and experts suggest that the protests reflect a pivotal moment in Israeli society, potentially affecting future policy decisions regarding the conflict.