Multitudes Protest Globally Against Israel's Contested Agenda
Protests Against Israeli Plan for Gaza City Echo Across Globe
In August 2025, cities around the world resonated with the cry for peace and justice as thousands gathered to demonstrate against Israel's plan to take control of Gaza City. The most significant demonstrations took place in Istanbul, Turkey, where broad coalitions of pro-Palestinian civil society groups organized rallies demanding an end to Israeli attacks, blockade, and military control over Gaza.
Istanbul Protests
On August 6, tens of thousands of protesters assembled on Istanbul’s Galata Bridge, organised by the National Will Platform—a coalition of more than 300 pro-Palestinian and Islamic groups. A few days later, on August 9, thousands more gathered at Beyazit Square after evening prayers for the "Be Hope for Gaza" march, led by 15 civil society organisations under the "Support for Palestine Platform." Both events took place amid increasing Israeli military plans to reoccupy Gaza, sparking protests both in Israel and abroad.
Turkish political figures, including Bilal Erdoğan, spoke at the protests, condemning Israeli actions. Thousands of Turkish citizens, including families and activists, carried Palestinian flags and chanted slogans in support of Gaza.
Demands and Concerns
The protesters' demands were clear: an immediate cessation of Israeli attacks and the blockade on Gaza, opposition to Israel’s full military control plan over Gaza City, calls for accountability for alleged starvation and destruction in Gaza, solidarity with Palestine, and support for Palestinian statehood. There was also anger in Israel over the plan, with public concern about the endangerment of Israeli hostages and soldiers.
Groups representing families of hostages, fallen soldiers, and victims of Hamas' 2023 attack called for a general strike on Aug. 17 to protest the ongoing war and the government's plan to take control of Gaza City. Reut Recht-Edri, a grieving mother whose son was killed by Hamas in 2023, called for a stop to the war and the return of hostages on Aug. 17.
International Response
Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators in European countries held rallies and marches in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. In the U.K. capital, police arrested 466 people for supporting Palestine Action at a protest, marking one of the highest numbers ever arrested at a single protest in the city.
Israeli army pilots also protested the reoccupation plan in Tel Aviv, signalling domestic opposition in Israel itself. The demonstration in various European cities demanded immediate unrestricted aid delivery into Gaza. Anat Angrest, a mother of a Hamas hostage, criticised the decision to occupy Gaza City, warning that it will endanger the remaining captives.
Controversy Surrounding Israeli Leadership
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been accused of insisting on continuing the war for his own political gain instead of pursuing a ceasefire. Critics argue that his actions risk the lives of both Israeli soldiers and Palestinians, as well as the safety of hostages and civilians in Gaza.
These protests reflect a broad cultural, political, and humanitarian response against Israeli military policies in Gaza, drawing participation from civil society groups, political leaders, and the general public aligned with Palestinian solidarity causes. The future of Gaza City remains uncertain as the international community continues to watch the unfolding events with concern.
[1] BBC News, "Thousands protest in Istanbul against Israeli plan for Gaza City," 6 August 2025. [2] Reuters, "Thousands rally in Istanbul against Israel's plan to take over Gaza City," 9 August 2025. [3] The Guardian, "Israeli army pilots protest plan to reoccupy Gaza," 10 August 2025. [4] Al Jazeera, "Protesters demand end to Israeli attacks on Gaza," 11 August 2025. [5] The Jerusalem Post, "Police arrest 466 protesters in London for supporting Palestine Action," 12 August 2025.
Increased Global Engagement
The global response to Israel's plan for Gaza City was not limited to Istanbul, as cities worldwide echoed the demands for peace and justice, reflecting a growing global engagement in war-and-conflicts and general-news related to the region.
International Solidarity
Thousands of protesters in various European countries demonstrated their solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, joining the calls for an end to Israeli attacks, a halt to the blockade, and the protection of Palestinian statehood, effectively merging politics and humanitarian concern in a unified voice against military control and ongoing conflicts.
