Israel Shut Down in a Nationwide Strike and demonstrations Demanding Hostage Release and Ceasefire

In one of the most significant civil demonstrations since the onset of the Gaza conflict, hundreds of thousands of Israelis took to the streets on Sunday in a nationwide strike and protest demanding the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas and a ceasefire agreement to end the war.

Organized by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum and the October Council, the mass action marked 681 days since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, during which dozens were abducted. Protesters and organizers said that roughly 50 hostages are still believed to be held in Gaza—about 20 of them presumed alive.

"Day of Stoppage": Israel Comes to a Halt

The “Day of Stoppage” saw extensive disruption and wide participation across major sectors of Israeli society:

• Education: Universities, including the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, suspended classes in solidarity with the cause.

• Healthcare: Medical professionals, led by the Israeli Medical Association, marched in white coats to Hostages Square in Tel Aviv.

• Business and Culture: Numerous businesses, theaters, and restaurants closed for the day. Public figures, including actress Gal Gadot, joined demonstrators and met with families of the hostages.

Tel Aviv Rally: The Emotional Epicenter

The largest protest took place at Kidnapped Square in Tel Aviv, where a massive Israeli flag bearing the faces of hostages was unfurled. Organizers reported hundreds of thousands in attendance—making it one of the largest rallies since the war began. Police declined to give an official estimate.

Family members of hostages and former captives gave emotional speeches. Arbel Yehoud, a former hostage, stated:

“Military pressure doesn’t bring hostages back—it only kills them.”

Nationwide Demonstrations and Road Blockages

Protests and roadblocks were staged throughout the country:

• In Jerusalem, Haifa, and Be’er Sheva, thousands marched and blocked central intersections.

• Demonstrators shut down major highways, including Route 1 and the Ayalon Highway, causing extensive traffic disruptions.

• Border Protests: Families of abductees pitched tents near the Gaza border, symbolizing their ongoing vigil and pressure for a resolution.

Clashes and Arrests

While most demonstrations were peaceful, confrontations with police occurred in key locations:

• In Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, police deployed water cannons to disperse protesters who refused to vacate blocked roads.

• At least 38 individuals were arrested nationwide on charges related to disturbing public order.

Political Backing and Public Pressure

Opposition leaders, including Yair Lapid and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, voiced support for the protests and emphasized the need for a negotiated solution that would secure the release of the hostages and end the war.

Protesters argue that continued military operations risk the lives of the remaining hostages and demand the government accept an agreement—believed to be on the table through international mediation—that would include their release.

“The hostages were not forgotten—they were abandoned,” said one speaker at the Tel Aviv rally. “A country that doesn’t bring its children home has lost its way.”

Growing Demand for Change

Sunday’s events reflect mounting public pressure on the Israeli government to prioritize the safe return of the hostages and seek a diplomatic resolution to the nearly two-year conflict. As international mediators work behind the scenes, the voices from Israeli streets grow louder and more urgent.