Monday, 25 May 2026
Protesters call for a cease-fire/hostage release deal in Tel Aviv's Hostage Square, Saturday. Credit: Tomer Appelbaum
Tens of thousands rally in Tel Aviv to demand ceasefire, release of hostages
Tel Aviv — An estimated 60,000 Israelis gathered in central Tel Aviv on Saturday, joining thousands more in cities across the country to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages held by Hamas.
The demonstrations were sparked after harrowing footage emerged showing Israeli hostages appearing severely malnourished, highlighting the desperate conditions faced by those still in captivity.
According to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, the main rally took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, drawing tens of thousands as reported by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.
The event began with a public screening of a five-minute video featuring 21-year-old hostage Evyatar David, who was abducted from a music festival on October 7, 2023. In the video, David describes the extreme deprivation he faces in Gaza, recounting a moment when he was given a single can of food to last for two days, "just to survive."
David's siblings spoke at the rally, urging both the Israeli government and the international community to ensure immediate access to adequate food and medical care for Evyatar and the other hostages, including 20-year-old Guy Gilboa Dalal. The protest’s slogan, "We must not leave our children behind," deeply resonated with attendees, many of whom carried signs and photos of missing loved ones.
Families of Israeli captives in Gaza voiced frustration over what they deemed "unrealistic" conditions set by Israeli authorities for negotiating the hostages' return. As demonstrations intensified across the country, Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar called on the international community to press for the hostages’ unconditional release, and began steps to convene a United Nations Security Council meeting devoted to the issue.
The protests reflect deepening anguish within Israeli society as the Gaza conflict continues without resolution. Families of those held captive say they fear time is running out and are urging leaders at home and abroad to take urgent action.