Despite Israel's statement that it "does not plan to permanently occupy Gaza" before the UN Security Council, the square that the Israelis have dubbed "Hostage Plaza" in Tel Aviv, thousands of people beat drums, shouted slogans and booed mentions of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other members of his right-wing government.

Some held photographs of those still held captive in Gaza, others expressed frustration at plans for a new military offensive in some of the most populated areas of the enclave , which many Israelis fear could further endanger the lives of the remaining hostages , of whom between 20 and 50 are believed to be alive.

Among the protesters who took part in the demonstration was Ruby Chen, father of Itay Chen, an Israeli-American soldier who was among the 1,200 killed in the Hamas-led terror attacks on October 7, 2023, and whose body remains in Gaza.

The protest in Tel Aviv was one of dozens that were organized across the country, including in front of political residences, military barracks, and on major highways. Protesters blocked lanes and lit bonfires. Some restaurants and theaters closed in solidarity. Police reported arresting 38 people.

The nationwide marches coincided with a general strike called by organizations representing the families of those still in captivity. One such group, the Missing Hostages and Families Forum, said nearly 1 million people had attended the demonstrations across the country. Despite the wave of protests, the prime minister and his senior officials criticized the demonstrations. "Those who today call for an end to the war without defeating Hamas are not only hardening Hamas's position and delaying the release of our hostages, they are also ensuring that the horrors of October 7 will be repeated," the prime minister told his cabinet.

His ultra-nationalist Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, one of the cabinet's most hawkish right-wing voices, in a post on X called the protests a “toxic and damaging campaign that plays into Hamas's hands, buries hostages in tunnels, and attempts to make the State of Israel surrender to its enemies and endanger its security and future.”