Thousands Rally in Tel Aviv Against Gaza War Expansion as Global Criticism Mounts
Tens of thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv on Saturday to protest government plans to escalate the war in Gaza, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces mounting domestic and international pressure over the decision to seize Gaza City.
Demonstrators held signs and photos of hostages still held by Hamas, calling on the government to reach a deal for their release. Organisers representing hostage families estimated the crowd at around 100,000.
AFP journalists on the ground reported turnout in the tens of thousands — one of the largest anti-war demonstrations since the conflict began nearly two years ago.
“We have a clear message for Prime Minister Netanyahu,” said Shahar Mor Zahiro, whose relative was killed in Hamas’s October 2023 attack.
“If you invade Gaza and the hostages are murdered, we will pursue you in the town squares, during elections, everywhere.”
The protests erupted after Netanyahu’s security cabinet on Friday approved a new military operation to capture Gaza City — a move that has drawn sharp rebuke from allies and adversaries alike.
Foreign ministers from Italy, Australia, Germany, New Zealand, and the UK issued a joint statement condemning the plan, warning it could worsen the humanitarian crisis and jeopardize the lives of hostages.
The Palestinian Authority (PA) also denounced the proposed offensive.
President Mahmoud Abbas called the plan “a new crime,” urging immediate international action to halt it.
He also reiterated the PA’s demand to be allowed to assume responsibility in Gaza — a territory currently under Hamas control and where the PA has had no presence since 2007.
In its Friday meeting, Israel’s cabinet also approved a framework for the post-war governance of Gaza, rejecting both Hamas and the PA as future administrators of the territory.
Despite growing opposition and reports of dissent within Israel’s security establishment, Netanyahu defended the campaign, insisting on social media: “We are not going to occupy Gaza — we are going to free Gaza from Hamas.”
The war, triggered by Hamas’s October 7, 2023 cross-border assault that killed 1,219 people, has continued for 22 months.
According to Israel, 49 hostages remain in Gaza, including 27 believed to be dead. Past ceasefires have led to prisoner swaps, but talks have repeatedly stalled.
The humanitarian toll in Gaza continues to climb. Gaza’s civil defence agency reported at least 37 deaths on Saturday, including 30 civilians killed while waiting for aid.
The enclave’s health ministry says over 61,000 Palestinians have been killed since the start of the war — figures the UN considers credible.
Russia also weighed in Saturday, warning Israel’s plan could worsen what it described as a humanitarian catastrophe in the besieged enclave.
