Crowds rally in Tel Aviv in opposition to the Israeli government's proposal to escalate hostilities in Gaza
In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, a stalemate has emerged in hostage negotiations as Israel pushes ahead with a major operation to seize Gaza City.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected any partial hostage release deal, insisting that all hostages must be freed simultaneously for Israel to agree to any arrangement. This firm stance is driven by security concerns and political dynamics within Israel's coalition government, where far-right members oppose any ceasefire that would allow Hamas to retain power.
Nationwide protests in Israel, organized by families of the hostages and bereaved relatives, have called for urgent government action to secure a release deal. They fear the ongoing military offensive in Gaza endangers the remaining hostages. Approximately 50 hostages are believed to be held in Gaza, with only about 20 still alive according to reports.
Netanyahu’s conditions for ending the war include maintaining Israeli "security control" over Gaza, a proposal rejected by Palestinians and criticized internationally.
Meanwhile, the military operation in Gaza City continues with intensified air strikes causing significant civilian casualties. The intensity of the fighting and political impasse mean that hostage negotiations are at an impasse, with no current indication of an imminent breakthrough.
The foreign ministers of Italy, Australia, Germany, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom have criticized the decision to occupy Gaza City, stating it would exacerbate the humanitarian situation and endanger hostages. Hamas's 2023 attack on Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, according to an AFP tally based on official figures.
The Palestinian Authority (PA), which exercises limited administration over parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank, does not have a presence in Hamas-run Gaza. The PA president, Mahmud Abbas, condemned the plan to occupy Gaza City as a "new crime". He emphasized the need to stop the plan immediately and enable the State of Palestine to assume its full responsibilities in the Gaza Strip.
Russia also condemned the Israeli plan to take control of Gaza City, stating it risks worsening the humanitarian disaster in the Palestinian enclave. Demonstrators gathered to call for the release of hostages being held in the Palestinian territory.
As of August 17, 2025, the estimated number of attendees at the rally ranges from tens of thousands to 100,000 people. Foreign powers, including some of Israel's allies, have been pushing for a negotiated ceasefire to secure the hostages’ return and help alleviate a humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Sources: [1] The Times of Israel (2025). Netanyahu rejects partial hostage release deal in Gaza. [2] Haaretz (2025). Families of hostages protest against Gaza operation, call for negotiations. [3] Al Jazeera (2025). Intensified fighting in Gaza complicates hostage negotiations.
Arts and health organizations have voiced their concerns over the escalating violence in Gaza, appealing for an immediate ceasefire to protect the civilian population and the hostages being held. Politicians from Italy, Australia, Germany, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, along with the Palestinian Authority, have spoken out against the military operation in Gaza City, arguing it could worsen the humanitarian crisis and endanger the hostages. Meanwhile, general news outlets have reported on the ongoing protests demanding a negotiated resolution to secure the release of the hostages and alleviate the suffering in Gaza.
