Thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv on Saturday night in one of the largest recent demonstrations, issuing direct appeals to U.S. President Donald Trump to intervene and force an end to the war in Gaza. Protesters packed a public square outside the military headquarters, waving Israeli flags and holding placards with images of the hostages. Signs carried by attendees conveyed a sense of urgency, with one reading, “Trump’s legacy crumbles as the Gaza war persists,” and another pleading, “PRESIDENT TRUMP, SAVE THE HOSTAGES NOW!”
The rally highlighted a growing despair among many Israelis towards Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government and its military strategy. Protesters expressed a belief that President Trump is the only figure with sufficient influence to pressure the Israeli leadership. “We think that Trump is the only man in the world who has authority over Bibi, that can force Bibi to do this,” said Boaz, a 40-year-old Tel Aviv resident. This sentiment is fueled by fears that the ongoing military assault on Gaza City, ordered by Netanyahu to capture a major urban center where hostages may be held, could further endanger their lives.
The families of the hostages and their supporters are increasingly vocal in their criticism, accusing the government of abandoning its citizens. Orna Neutra, the mother of an Israeli-American soldier who was killed and whose body is being held in Gaza, addressed the crowd, stating, “We truly hope that the United States will push both sides to finally reach a comprehensive deal that will bring them home.” The rally, which organizers said drew tens of thousands, is part of a series of weekly demonstrations that have grown in size, demanding the government secure a ceasefire with Hamas to obtain the release of the remaining 48 hostages, of whom Israeli officials believe roughly 20 are still alive.
The war, which has dragged on for nearly eight months of President Trump’s second term despite his campaign pledge to end it swiftly, remains intractable. While the U.S. administration is engaged in what it calls “very deep” negotiations with Hamas, the conflict continues to exact a heavy toll. Israeli forces have carried out heavy strikes on Gaza City, prompting a military warning for civilians to evacuate to the south. A recent video released by Hamas, featuring an Israeli hostage expressing fear of being killed in the assault, has been condemned as psychological warfare. With the war growing unpopular among segments of Israeli society and polls showing a majority want a negotiated ceasefire, the pressure on both the Israeli and U.S. governments to secure a deal is intensifying.
