Massive nationwide protests in Israel demand end to Gaza war, release of hostages VIDEO

Hundreds of thousands gathered in Tel Aviv in the night of August 17, concluding a nationwide day of protests and strikes demanding an end to the war in Gaza and the immediate release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

According to the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, over 500,000 people attended the rally in Tel Aviv, while an estimated one million demonstrated across the country, Caliber.Az reports, citing Israeli media.

The mass mobilization came in response to the government’s recent decision to intensify military operations in Gaza City, despite warnings from top security officials that such actions could jeopardize the lives of hostages still held in captivity.

Major demonstrations took place in cities including Jerusalem, Haifa, and Beersheba, with protesters blocking highways and intersections. By August 17 evening, police reported arresting at least 44 people across the country for disrupting public order and clashing with officers.

The protest movement also included a large-scale strike joined by hundreds of municipalities, universities, businesses, and tech firms. However, Israel's central labor union, the Histadrut, did not officially participate.

At the Tel Aviv rally, held at Hostages Square, family members of the hostages accused the government of prioritizing political goals over the lives of those held in Gaza.

🇮🇱 In Israel, more than a million people took to the streets yesterday to protest for an end to the war, reports The Times of Israel.

In Tel Aviv alone, there were about half a million demonstrators. People are urging Trump to pressure Netanyahu to "end the suffering," "make… pic.twitter.com/0yOtwuk1hh

— Lord Bebo (@MyLordBebo) August 18, 2025

“My son is suffering so that the government can build settlements,” said the father of one hostage.

Organizers also screened a video message from several released hostages, directed at US President Donald Trump, urging him to help bring the remaining captives home.

“Thank you, President Trump, for bringing us home,” said Naama Levy.

“Every bullet, every strike puts them in danger,” added Sasha Troufanov.

“You have the power to make history, to be the president who made peace, ended the war, ended the suffering, including my little brother,” said Iair Horn.

Following the speeches, hundreds marched to the nearby Likud party headquarters, lit a bonfire, and clashed with police, who prevented them from reaching the entrance of the building.

Meanwhile, several altercations occurred nationwide as frustrated drivers confronted protesters blocking roads. In one incident in Hod Hasharon, a truck driver wielded a metal rod and attempted to strike demonstrators.

By Vafa Guliyeva