Large-scale demonstration in Tel Aviv protests Gaza conflict
In the heart of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, around 49 hostages remain in the hands of Hamas and other armed Palestinian groups. This grim situation, which began during the Gaza war in October 2023, has been a central component of the humanitarian crisis in the region.
The Gaza war, which was triggered by an attack by Hamas and other Palestinian terrorist organizations on Israel, has resulted in over 1,200 deaths and more than 250 hostages being taken to the Gaza Strip. As of August 2025, approximately 50 hostages are still being held, with about 20 believed to be alive.
The families of these hostages are deeply concerned for their loved ones' safety, particularly in light of the planned military operation. Recent videos released by Hamas depicting emaciated hostages such as Evaytar David, forced to dig his own grave, have drawn international condemnation and are described by the UN as “an affront to humanity itself.”
The captives endure horrific and inhumane conditions, including reported systematic torture, sexual harassment, starvation, and lack of basic hygiene. These allegations have been confirmed by the Red Cross and Israeli health authorities.
The hostage situation has prompted urgent briefings and Security Council meetings focused not only on securing the hostages’ release but also addressing the deteriorating conditions faced by ordinary civilians in Gaza, where famine and malnutrition—especially among children—are acute and worsening.
The Israeli security cabinet, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has decided to occupy the city of Gaza, possibly with the aim of taking control of the entire coastal region. This decision has been met with criticism from the families of the hostages, who fear it will lead to a "colossal catastrophe" for both the hostages and Israeli soldiers.
The ongoing conflict has also sparked protests in Tel Aviv, with tens of thousands of people voicing their opposition to the planned escalation of the Gaza war by the Israeli government. The protests were initiated by the forum of relatives of hostages held by the Islamic Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
The news of the hostage crisis and the ongoing Gaza war has been widely reported, including in the Israeli newspaper "Haaretz." However, the international community, including Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz, has faced criticism for a lack of consultation regarding the alleged Israel U-turn on the Gaza war.
The situation in Gaza remains a complex and urgent issue, shaping both Israeli military strategy and international diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The international community continues to call for the immediate release of the hostages and improvements in the living conditions of civilians in Gaza.
- In light of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the Commission has been asked to submit a proposal for a regulation on the implementation of the European Union's external action programme, which could potentially address the war-and-conflicts in the region and the general-news of the hostage situation.
- Despite the international outcry and UN condemnation, the planned military operation in Gaza by the Israeli security cabinet, including the possible occupation of the city, has brought back the issue of war-and-conflicts and hostage-taking to the forefront of global politics.
