Centreline Report
Tel Aviv, August 26, 2025 — Tens of thousands of Israelis have taken to the streets in a sweeping wave of protests demanding the immediate release of hostages held in Gaza and an end to the nearly two-year-long war. Organized by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, the demonstrations have spread across major cities including Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa, with protesters blocking highways, waving Israeli flags, and holding up photos of loved ones still in captivity.
Local police confirmed that all roads have now reopened to traffic, following hours of disruption caused by demonstrators who lit bonfires and staged sit-ins on key routes. The protests mark one of the most intense public mobilizations since the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack, which killed approximately 1,200 Israelis and saw 251 others taken hostage into Gaza. Israeli authorities believe around 20 hostages remain alive2.
The protests come amid mounting frustration over the government’s handling of the hostage crisis and the ongoing military campaign in Gaza. Demonstrators chanted slogans such as “Bring them home now!” and “No more war over the bodies of hostages,” expressing fears that continued military pressure could jeopardize the lives of those still held captive3.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum declared a nationwide strike, urging citizens to “shut down the country” until a comprehensive deal is reached. Protesters also gathered outside the homes of government ministers and military headquarters, demanding immediate action.
The protests intensified following reports of a deadly Israeli airstrike on a hospital in southern Gaza on Monday, which allegedly killed at least 20 people, including five journalists. The incident has drawn international condemnation and renewed scrutiny of Israel’s military tactics.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged the strike as a “tragic mishap” and stated that the military is “conducting a thorough investigation” into the incident. However, critics argue that such statements fall short of accountability, especially as the death toll in Gaza continues to climb. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, more than 62,744 Palestinians have been killed since the war began2.
Netanyahu’s government faces growing domestic and international pressure. While some cabinet members have condemned the protests as undermining national security, others warn that ignoring public sentiment could deepen divisions and prolong the crisis. Analysts suggest that Israel’s global image is at risk, with potential consequences for foreign investment, tourism, and diplomatic relations.
As the protests continue, families of hostages remain resolute. “This is probably the last minute we have to save them,” said Ofir Penso, a demonstrator in Tel Aviv. “We demand a comprehensive and achievable agreement and an end to the war. We demand what is rightfully ours — our children”.
