Israel’s mass protest to end Gaza war!
Jerusalem/Tel Aviv, Aug 17 (EFE).- By Verónica Snoj
Israelis held a nationwide strike and mass protests on Sunday demanding an end to the Gaza war and the release of hostages, just days after the government approved expanding the offensive in the ravaged enclave.
Among the demonstrators was Steve Zussman, 49, who joined a rally in central Jerusalem in memory of his son Ben, a 22-year-old reservist killed in Gaza in December 2023.
“We cannot give in to Hamas after the terrible things they did on Oct. 7, and we demand the release of the hostages. But prolonging the war indefinitely is not the right way forward. Israel must show the world that we seek peace,” Zussman told EFE, standing among dozens holding photos of captives and signs reading “Enough war, we want to live.”
Tanner Smith, a 24-year-old American rabbinical student in Jerusalem, echoed the sentiment. “Extending the war is not the solution. The priority should be freeing the hostages, then addressing security.”
Around 50 hostages remain in Gaza, including 20 believed to be alive.
Roads blocked, protests intensify
By morning, traffic between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv ground to a halt as demonstrators blocked highways with cars, flags, and yellow ribbons.
On one stretch of road, 72-year-old protester Katia Armosa joined others burning tires and chanting through loudspeakers: “Today is the 681st day the hostages remain in Gaza’s tunnels. We are here to make the government listen.” Police later dispersed the crowd.
“If the war ends, we will be safer than we were on Oct> 7,” Armosa said.
Climax in Hostages’ Square
The day’s focal point is Tel Aviv’s Hostages’ Square, where families of abductees have set up a permanent protest camp. The square, filled with tents, art installations, and yellow chairs symbolizing the captives, drew hundreds despite the midday heat.
“We are against the war. We want the hostages back and the violence to stop,” said Guy Nir, 40, marching with an Israeli flag.
Shay Lev Ari, 39, said Hamas had lost most of its power. “The suffering is now on both sides.”
For many, diplomacy is the only way forward. “At first, fighting was necessary. But now it’s time to open Gaza, allow humanitarian aid, let the world rebuild, and politically weaken Hamas,” Nir said. EFE vsj-mgs-sk
