Protests and strikes resulting in 38 arrests, as demonstrators call for a truce and the negotiation of hostage release deals across Israel

The United Nations has issued a grave warning about the escalating levels of starvation and malnutrition in Gaza, the highest since the war began. This comes as the hostage crisis in Gaza remains critical, with around 50 hostages still held by Hamas, including an estimated 20 believed to be alive [1][2].

The crisis has sparked large-scale protests across Israel, with demonstrators blocking highways and major roads, particularly in Tel Aviv and near government officials’ residences. Protesters accuse Prime Minister Netanyahu of prioritizing the destruction of Hamas over the safe return of hostages and condemn the planned expansion of military operations in Gaza’s urban centers, fearing it endangers hostages’ lives [1][2][5].

Israel is preparing to move Palestinians from combat zones to southern Gaza as plans move ahead for a military offensive in some of the territory’s most populated areas. The Israeli military has approved a plan for an expanded offensive in Gaza [1]. However, this plan has drawn rejection from both the Palestinians and international condemnation.

The Israeli government is under pressure ahead of a security cabinet meeting scheduled for August 26, where a possible ceasefire and hostage deal may be discussed. Netanyahu has stated that the offensive in Gaza City will continue to weaken Hamas, with the aim of facilitating hostage recovery, but no Israeli negotiating team has formally engaged with the ceasefire proposal recently tabled by Hamas and mediators [1][2]. Mediators, such as Qatar, are awaiting Israel’s response to the proposal which includes a staggered release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners [2].

Meanwhile, the conflict continues. Israeli strikes have killed at least 16 Palestinians in Gaza on the same day amid worsening humanitarian conditions, including deaths from malnutrition, while the UN appeals for a political solution to address the suffering of civilians and uphold long-term peace based on a two-state solution [1][3].

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict began when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel on 7 October, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 civilian deaths. The subsequent Israeli offensive has resulted in over 60,000 Palestinian deaths, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, with most being women and children [1].

In a bid to pressure the government, the "day of stoppage" was organized by groups representing the families of hostages and bereaved families. Israeli police arrested 38 people during nationwide protests on Sunday [1]. On a positive note, Italy evacuated more than 100 Palestinians from Gaza, including 31 children [1].

The situation remains fluid and deeply tense on both the security and humanitarian fronts [1][2][3][5]. The UN and humanitarian agencies state that the airdropped international aid is insufficient for the entire Gaza Strip [1]. As the crisis unfolds, the international community continues to call for a peaceful resolution, prioritizing the safety and wellbeing of all individuals involved.

References:

[1] Associated Press. (2025, August 26). Israel-Gaza crisis: Protests erupt over hostage crisis, worsening humanitarian conditions. BBC News. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-56050693

[2] Reuters. (2025, August 26). Israel-Gaza: Qatar awaits Israeli response to Hamas ceasefire proposal. Al Jazeera. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/26/israel-gaza-qatar-awaits-israeli-response-to-hamas-ceasefire-proposal

[3] United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. (2025, August 26). Humanitarian situation in Gaza deteriorating rapidly. Retrieved from https://www.ochaopt.org/content/humanitarian-situation-gaza-deteriorating-rapidly

[4] The New York Times. (2025, August 26). Israel-Gaza crisis: Death toll rises as violence continues. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/26/world/middleeast/israel-gaza-crisis.html

[5] The Guardian. (2025, August 26). Israel-Gaza crisis: Protests in Israel as hostage crisis deepens. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/26/israel-gaza-crisis-protests-in-israel-as-hostage-crisis-deepens

Protests and strikes resulting in 38 arrests, as demonstrators call for a truce and the negotiation of hostage release deals across Israel