Thousands in Tel Aviv Protest Gaza War and Demand Hostage Release Amid Criticism of Netanyahu

On May 10, 2025, thousands of Israelis protested in Tel Aviv, demanding an end to the Gaza war and the release of 59 Israeli hostages. Organized by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, the protests criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu for allegedly prolonging the conflict. Demonstrations occurred at Hostages Square and Habima Square, with similar protests nationwide. The protests followed a Hamas video showing two hostages, increasing public pressure on the government. Critics accuse Netanyahu of prioritizing political survival over resolving the hostage crisis.

Mass Mobilization in Tel Aviv

The central rally took place at “Hostages Square,” where the Hostages and Missing Families Forum has been holding weekly gatherings since the early days of the war. According to reports from Haaretz and Al Jazeera, thousands of demonstrators filled the square, holding signs and chanting slogans such as “All of them! Now!” and “Bring them home!”—a reference to the 59 Israeli hostages still believed to be held in Gaza, of whom only 24 are confirmed alive.

Relatives of the captives addressed the crowd, expressing anguish over the fate of their loved ones and frustration with the government’s handling of the crisis. Ilan Dalal, whose son was abducted during the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, warned that the hostages are in immediate danger. “They could be killed by Israeli army bombings. Terrorists could murder them if they hear the Israeli army coming. Or they may simply not survive the harsh and inhumane conditions of their captivity,” he said.

Dalal directly addressed the Netanyahu government, stating, “You are elected officials, you must listen to the public. And the public is saying loud and clear: ‘All of them! Now!’ It is time to make a courageous and necessary decision to end the war and bring everyone home.”

Parallel Protests and Rising Discontent

In addition to the main rally at Hostages Square, a separate anti-government protest took place at Habima Square, also in Tel Aviv. This demonstration, while also calling for the release of hostages, focused more broadly on the leadership of Prime Minister Netanyahu.

Shai Mozes, whose parents were previously held captive and later released in separate exchange deals, addressed the crowd at Habima Square. “Israel’s real enemy is not Hamas, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is destroying Israel as a Jewish and democratic state,” he declared, drawing loud applause from the assembled protesters.

The protests in Tel Aviv were mirrored by similar demonstrations in other cities across Israel, including Jerusalem, Haifa, and Beersheba, as well as at dozens of intersections and public spaces nationwide. Organizers and participants described the movement as a growing expression of public frustration with the government’s war strategy and its perceived failure to prioritize the safe return of hostages.

Hostage Video Fuels Public Outcry

The protests came just hours after Hamas’s armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, released a video showing two Israeli captives—Elkana Bohbot, 36, and Yosef Haim Ohana, 24—alive in Gaza. In the video, Ohana speaks in Hebrew, urging the Israeli government to end the war and secure the release of all remaining captives. Bohbot appears visibly weak, wrapped in a blanket and lying on the floor.

The video, widely circulated in Israeli media, intensified public pressure on the government. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum responded with a statement condemning Netanyahu’s recent announcement of an expanded military offensive in Gaza, calling it a move that “sacrifices” the lives of those still held captive.

Mounting Criticism of Netanyahu

Prime Minister Netanyahu has faced increasing criticism from both the public and within the political establishment. Protesters and opposition figures accuse him of extending the war for personal and political reasons, including to avoid legal and political consequences stemming from his ongoing corruption trials.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum has been particularly vocal in its condemnation. In a recent statement, the group said, “Do not sacrifice our children instead of doing your job,” echoing the sentiments of many families who feel abandoned by the government.

Herut Nimrodi, whose son Tamir is believed to be among the hostages, warned that Israel is facing a “missed opportunity of the century” by failing to engage in meaningful negotiations for a hostage deal. “Total defeat,” she said, is what awaits if the government continues on its current path.

Official Response

As of Saturday evening, there was no official response from Prime Minister Netanyahu or his office regarding the protests. However, government sources have previously defended the military campaign as necessary to dismantle Hamas’s infrastructure and ensure long-term security for Israel.

Despite these justifications, the growing scale and intensity of the protests suggest a widening gap between the government’s strategy and public sentiment. With the war now in its 19th month, and the fate of dozens of hostages still uncertain, the pressure on Netanyahu’s administration shows no signs of abating.

Thousands in Tel Aviv Protest Gaza War and Demand Hostage Release Amid Criticism of Netanyahu

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