Tel Aviv rally calls for captive release, opposes war expansion

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
6 Sep 2025 23:50

Thousands rallied in Tel Aviv demanding an end to the war on Gaza and the release of Israeli captives, as military plans to seize Gaza City progress.

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People take part in a protest demanding the immediate release of all captives held by the Palestinian Resistance and calling for the end of the war in the Gaza Strip, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025 (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

Thousands of demonstrators rallied in Tel Aviv on Saturday, calling for an immediate end to the war on Gaza and the release of Israeli captives held by the Palestinian Resistance.

According to a correspondent from RIA Novosti, protesters voiced strong opposition to the planned military offensive on Gaza City, which the Israeli occupation military has labeled the last stronghold of the Palestinian movement Hamas.

Demonstrators warned that such an operation could further endanger the lives of the remaining captives.

Family members of the captives addressed the crowds from a central stage, urging the government to reach a deal with the Palestinian Resistance to ensure the safe return of their loved ones.

The protest took place near major government buildings, including the Israeli Ministry of Security, with heavy police and ambulance presence securing the perimeter.

Military plans to seize Gaza City advance

On August 20, Israeli Security Minister Israel Katz approved the next phase of military operations to seize full control over Gaza City. Israeli army radio Galei Tzahal reported that the operation could extend until 2026, involving as many as 130,000 reservists at its peak.

The following day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu officially approved the military command’s plan to move forward with the long-term operation to defeat the Palestinian movement Hamas.

As the war drags on, pressure is mounting from within "Israel" for a political solution, with protests like Saturday's showing growing discontent with the current leadership's strategy in Gaza.

Gaza death toll continues to climb

Per recent figures, those killed in Gaza as a result of "Israel's" continued onslaught against the besieged enclave skyrocketed to over 64,000, with 161,583 others injured.

Fears about these numbers continuing to climb drastically have only been heightened as "Israel's" starvation campaign on Gaza carries on.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), told Al Mayadeen that hunger related deaths "far surpassed" the 300 mark, emphasizing the danger of any new military assault on Gaza City, "the place where famine was declared and is marked by high population density."