Nationwide Strike and Protests in Israel Demand End to Gaza War and Release of Hostages

On Sunday, August 17, 2025, thousands of Israelis participated in a nationwide strike and protests, blocking major roads, including the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway, to demand an end to the Gaza war and the release of hostages held by Hamas. Demonstrators, showing solidarity with the families of hostages, waved Israeli flags, held photos of captives, and raised slogans, accompanied by the sounds of whistles, horns, and drums across the country.[](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/17/israelis-hold-nationwide-protest-to-end-gaza-war-bring-back-the-hostages)[](https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2025-08-17/israelis-stage-nationwide-protests-to-demand-end-to-gaza-war-and-release-of-hostages)

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, along with anti-war groups, organized the protests, urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reach an agreement with Hamas to end the conflict and secure the release of the remaining 50 hostages, of whom around 20 are believed to be alive. Protesters blocked key roads, set tires on fire, and caused traffic disruptions, particularly in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.[](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/17/israelis-hold-nationwide-protest-to-end-gaza-war-bring-back-the-hostages)[](https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2025/08/17/protests-strike-seek-hostages-release-war-Hamas-end/5041755445225/)[](https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/israelis-rally-end-gaza-war-and-release-captives) Anat Angrest, mother of hostage Matan Angrest, spoke to reporters in Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square, saying, “Today, everything stops to remember the supreme value—the sanctity of life.” Israeli Hollywood actress Gal Gadot met with hostages’ families in Tel Aviv, showing support for their cause.[](https://www.dw.com/en/middle-east-israel-protests-call-for-hostage-deal-end-to-war/live-73670466) While some businesses and institutions allowed employees to join the strike, many remained open as it was a working day in Israel. Schools, on summer recess, were unaffected. The Israeli police reported detaining 38 protesters by 2 p.m. for disrupting public order, with some clashes occurring as demonstrators blocked roads. Protests were briefly halted around 4 p.m. when air raid sirens sounded in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and other areas due to a missile fired from Yemen, which was intercepted without incident.[](https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2025-08-17/israelis-stage-nationwide-protests-to-demand-end-to-gaza-war-and-release-of-hostages)[](https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2025-08-17/israelis-stage-nationwide-protests-to-demand-end-to-gaza-war-and-release-of-hostages)[](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/israel-hamas/2025/08/17/israelis-nationwide-protests-gaza-war-hamas-netanyahu/85699840007/) Opposition leader Yair Lapid attended a rally in Tel Aviv, expressing support for the protesters. He wrote on X, “The only thing that strengthens the country is the wonderful spirit of the people who are going out from home today for Israeli solidarity.”[](https://x.com/AP/status/1953789395678433635) Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu criticized the protests, stating, “Those calling today for an end to the war without defeating Hamas are hardening Hamas’ position and delaying the release of our hostages.” Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called the protests “a perverse and harmful campaign that plays into the hands of Hamas.”[](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/17/israelis-hold-nationwide-protest-to-end-gaza-war-bring-back-the-hostages)[](https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2025/08/18/mass-protests-in-tel-aviv-call-for-end-to-gaza-war-release-of-hostages-)

The demonstrations followed Israel’s security cabinet’s approval of plans to capture Gaza City, raising fears of worsening the humanitarian crisis and endangering hostages.[](https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2025/08/18/mass-protests-in-tel-aviv-call-for-end-to-gaza-war-release-of-hostages-)