Israelis Take to the Streets: Ceasefire and Hostage Deal Now

Anti-war, pro-Hostage deal protest. Organizers estimate that up to half a million people (5% of the Israeli population) participated in the largest demonstrations since the Gaza war began in October 2023.

On Sunday, August 17, 2025, hundreds of thousands of Israelis filled the streets in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, and cities across the country. Organizers estimate that up to half a million people (5% of the Israeli population) participated in the largest demonstrations since the Gaza war began in October 2023. Hostages Square in Tel Aviv alone drew at least 200,000 by nightfall.

Protesters are demanding that the government put human life and the commitment to its civilians first, recognizing the fact that the military campaign has exhausted itself months ago and further pressure would not lead to the eradication of Hamas.

What Happened?

The nationwide strike and protests were led by the October Council and the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, despite not being supported by the Histadrut (Israel’s largest labor union).

They began at 6:29 a.m. - the exact moment Hamas launched its brutal attack on October 7, 2023. Demonstrators all across society blocked highways, marched in solidarity, and gathered at exhibitions and rallies. Doctors, students, farmers, and everyday Israelis joined together in an extraordinary show of unity and resilience, so contrary to the government who tried to minimize the scope of the protests or to label them as supportive to Hamas. Even a missile attack from Yemen did not cause protesters to fall back.

The Call for a Hostage Deal

The demand is clear: ending the war with a deal that will bring home the remaining 50 hostages - of whom only about 20 are believed alive. Protesters voiced outrage at Prime Minister Netanyahu’s plan to fully occupy Gaza City, a move that families of hostages as well as the military leadership warn would further endanger lives - Israeli and Palestinian alike - would fail to achieve any strategic objective, and deepen the cycle of violence.

Israelis are aware to the costs and are ready to pay the price of releasing Hamas fighters (including those who participated in the October 7 Massacre) and withdrawing from Gaza.

Israelis are not united behind an endless war. More and more Israelis understand that a continued fighting would not remove Hamas.

Why It Matters

The protests erupted just days after Netanyahu announced his intention to seize Gaza City - an act condemned by key allies like the UK, France, and Germany. At the same time, rumors of renewed ceasefire negotiations are circulating, especially in light of the reports that MK Benny Gantz is considering rejoining the government to support a hostage deal. Protesters are demanding that the government put human life and the commitment to its civilians first, recognizing the fact that the military campaign has exhausted itself months ago and further pressure would not lead to the eradication of Hamas.

Civil society leaders, artists, and former hostages joined families of hostages in calling for an end to the war and for a hostage release deal, calling on president Trump to use his leverage on Netanyahu. Their voices represent the growing majority of Israelis who refuse to accept endless war as the country’s destiny, and.

Our Take

These protests remind us: Israelis are not united behind an endless war. The struggle for the hostages is alive in the streets, with more and more Israelis who understand that a continued fighting would not remove Hamas, and who are willing to fight for a better future.

We will continue to lift up these voices of hope, and to ensure that America hears them.

As always, we are here to answer your questions and serve as a resource.

The LIBRAEL Team