CAIRO – 17 August 2025: Israel was brought to a standstill Sunday as protesters launched a nationwide strike, calling for an immediate end to the war in Gaza and a deal to secure the release of remaining captives.
The mass mobilization, led by families of captives and civil society groups, saw widespread business closures and major road blockages across the country, including in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
Thousands of Israelis rallied across the country on Sunday, urging an end to the war in Gaza and pressing for a deal to free the remaining captives still held by Hamas.
Gaza Occupation, Captives' Fate
The demonstrations come as the Israeli military readies a new offensive targeting Gaza City, located in the north of the enclave and home to hundreds of thousands of civilians—many of whom have been displaced multiple times since the war began in October 2023.
The five-point plan includes imposing Israeli “security control” over the entire Gaza Strip, disarming Hamas, returning all captives, ensuring Gaza’s full demilitarization, and establishing a new civil administration unaffiliated with either Hamas or the Palestinian Authority.
Israeli media reports indicate the operation, which has drawn local and global condemnation, will begin with a full takeover of Gaza City, while involving the forced relocation of up to one million residents to the south.
Hamas accused Netanyahu and the Israeli government of being indifferent to the fate of their captives, knowingly risking their lives by expanding the operations.
Warning about the consequences of the plan, Hamas asserted that “this criminal adventure will cost [Israel] a heavy price.”
“It will not be a picnic,” Hamas warned.
The war, now in its 22nd month, began after Hamas launched an attack on Israel, taking 251 captives. Of those, 49 remain in Gaza, including around 20 who are believed to be living.
Nationwide Strike
In Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square, a giant Israeli flag featuring portraits of the captives was displayed.
Protesters also blocked major roads, including the highway linking Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, where traffic disruptions were reported as protesters set tires ablaze.
President Isaac Herzog visited the Hostages Square during the demonstrations, claiming that “there is no Israeli who does not want [the captives] back home.”
However, he urged global pressure to tell Hamas that there will be “no deal, no nothing, until you release them.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly rejected Hamas’ offers for the release of all captives, alive and dead, in exchange for a permanent ceasefire.
Last month, Israel abruptly withdrew from indirect negotiations with Hamas — mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States — which had reportedly brought a potential truce in war-torn Gaza closer than ever.
At the time, the US also pulled out of the talks, accusing Hamas of not “acting in good faith” and stating it would consider "alternative options" to bring the captives home.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, along with protest organizers, called for a nationwide strike on Sunday. Many businesses in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem remained closed in solidarity.
The forum declared that protesters will “shut down the country with one clear call: Bring back the 50 hostages, end the war.”
They also announced plans to set up a protest camp near the Gaza border, pledging to intensify efforts to secure the captives’ return.
“If we don't bring them back now -– we will lose them forever,” the forum warned.
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