Thousands of Israelis rally in a bid to put an end to the ongoing conflict in Gaza
In the heart of Tel Aviv, protests have intensified at Hostage Square, as citizens demand an end to the war and the return of their loved ones being held captive in Gaza for approximately 700 days. Thousands of people took to the streets on Sunday, voices echoing their opposition to the ongoing conflict.
The war has contributed to increased tension and division among the Israeli population, with many expressing concerns about the safety of their children enlisted in the military, who have been sent to Gaza. Protesters, wearing makeshift patches with the number 681 on their shirts, represent the number of days the hostages have been held captive.
Ofir Penso, a 50-year-old Arabic teacher, has stated that the Israeli government has one last minute to save the hostages. Einav Tzangauker, whose son Matan is being held captive in Gaza, has demanded a comprehensive and achievable agreement to end the war and secure her son's release. Ella Kaufman from Kadima Zoran, whose sons are officers in the Israeli army, is urging the government to listen to the protesters' demands.
Recent video footage released by Palestinian militants shows hostages in a severely emaciated and pale condition, raising concerns about their health. Graphic videos depict hostages such as Evyatar David and Rom Braslavski in emaciated states, describing harsh captivity conditions, including deprivation of food and being forced to dig their own graves.
The Israeli government, under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, acknowledges the dire circumstances of many hostages and has authorized negotiators to engage in talks aimed at securing their release. Netanyahu has emphasized a preference for a full hostage deal rather than a partial release but appears to remain open to negotiating for those in life-threatening conditions, potentially indicating some flexibility in strategy.
Hamas, however, denies intentional mistreatment, claiming hostages endure the same conditions as Gaza's civilian population, which itself suffers from widespread starvation and deprivation. The hostage situation remains a significant factor in the ongoing conflict, influencing both Israeli military decisions and the fragile prospects for ceasefire negotiations.
Aid agencies and UN experts have warned of unfolding famine in Gaza due to the ongoing conflict. The Israeli government's recent decision to seize Gaza City and nearby camps in a new offensive has triggered an international backlash, further complicating the situation.
Patrick Menache, a 69-year-old real estate investor in Tel Aviv, supports Netanyahu's efforts to finish the war but acknowledges that everyone is tired of the conflict. Nick, a 31-year-old tech worker, expressed frustration with the ongoing war and its impact on Israel's international image.
As of August 2025, approximately 49 Israeli hostages remain in Gaza tunnels held by Hamas and allied groups, with only about 20 presumed still alive, many in extremely poor and deteriorating health conditions. The fate of these hostages remains a pressing concern, as the Israeli government navigates the complexities of the ongoing conflict.
References:
[1] The Guardian. (2025, August 1). Israel-Gaza crisis: 49 hostages remain captive in Gaza tunnels. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/01/israel-gaza-crisis-49-hostages-remain-captive-in-gaza-tunnels
[2] BBC News. (2025, August 2). Netanyahu vows to conquer Gaza Strip, sparking international backlash. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-59386567
[3] Al Jazeera. (2025, August 3). Hamas denies mistreatment of hostages in Gaza. [online] Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/3/hamas-denies-mistreatment-of-hostages-in-gaza
- The ongoing conflict in Gaza, marked by ongoing war-and-conflicts and politics, has led to international concern, with numerous general-news outlets reporting on the plight of approximately 49 Israeli hostages being held captive in Gaza tunnels for over 700 days.
- The health of the hostages, such as Evyatar David and Rom Braslavski, is a grave concern for both the Israeli government and international bodies, as recent video footage reveals the hostages in severely emaciated and pale conditions, suffering from deprivation of food and harsh captivity conditions.
- Calls for action have escalated amidst demonstrations across Israel, particularly in Tel Aviv at Hostage Square, with citizens demanding an end to the violence in Gaza and the release of their loved ones, a plea especially resonant among parents like Einav Tzangauker.
