Massive Protests in Jerusalem Demand Action on Hostages as Netanyahu Faces Pressure

Sat Oct 18 2025 16:08:32 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

More than 15,000 protestors filled the streets of Jerusalem urging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to negotiate for the return of hostages held by Hamas. The protests come amidst intensifying military actions in Gaza and escalating humanitarian concerns.

In a powerful demonstration, thousands of Israelis gathered in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv to demand Prime Minister Netanyahu consider a deal for the release of hostages held by Hamas. As military operations in Gaza escalate, voices of dissent over the government's handling of the conflict grow louder. The protests coincide with rising casualties in Gaza and calls from international allies for an immediate ceasefire.

More than 15,000 people have taken to the streets in Israel to call for an end to the war in the Gaza Strip and urge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to a deal for the return of the remaining hostages.

Families and supporters of the hostages still being held by Hamas thronged Jerusalem's Paris Square, with others gathering in Tel Aviv.

Of the 48 hostages still being held in Gaza, as many as 20 are believed to be alive.

Israel has yet to formally respond to a deal that would see the release of some hostages, but has previously demanded the return of all the hostages in any agreement. Netanyahu insists total victory over Hamas will bring the hostages home.

Hamas took 251 hostages back to Gaza after its attack in southern Israel on 7 October 2023, in which some 1,200 people died.

Israel launched a massive retaliation campaign to destroy Hamas which has resulted in the death of at least 64,368 Palestinians, most of them civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run health ministry. The UN considers the figures reliable, although Israel disputes them.

Voices of protest on Israeli streets and international demands from some of Israel's allies to stop its military offensive in Gaza have been growing steadily.

However, all signs indicate that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is preparing to intensify the war, as the Netanyahu government vows to gain full control of the Gaza Strip and finally defeat Hamas.

On Saturday night, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem saw some of the biggest protests in recent months, with speaker after speaker calling for Israel's prime minister to strike a deal with Hamas for the safe return of their loved ones.

Among the many family members with angry messages for Netanyahu was the mother of an IDF soldier being held in Gaza, who shouted strong warnings to the prime minister.

Many protesters argue that continuing the war further jeopardizes the lives of hostages.

Despite mounting pressure, Netanyahu has remained firm on his military strategy, insisting on pursuing victory over Hamas.

This position has led to a growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where many are calling for an immediate ceasefire and negotiations to secure the return of hostages.