By / Hany Hassapo

Mass Protests in Tel Aviv and Other Cities

Israel witnessed on Sunday its largest wave of protests since the beginning of the Gaza war, as hundreds of thousands of settlers took to the streets demanding an end to the war and the conclusion of a prisoner exchange deal.

According to Israel’s Channel 12, over 300,000 demonstrators gathered in Tel Aviv, while the Families of Israeli Captives Association reported that more than one million people across Israel participated in the protests.

March to Likud Headquarters

Thousands of demonstrators marched towards the headquarters of the ruling Likud Party in Tel Aviv, despite incitement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and members of his coalition.

Some protesters set fires near the party’s offices, leading to clashes with Israeli police.

Police Violence and Arrests

Israeli media sources confirmed that police forces used violence to disperse demonstrators outside the Likud headquarters. Meanwhile, Yedioth Ahronoth reported that 32 people were arrested since Sunday morning for blocking major roads, including entrances to Jerusalem.

General Strike Across Israel

The protests coincided with a nationwide strike called by the opposition and families of captives, which paralyzed several sectors across Israel. Demonstrators blocked major highways, burned tires, and carried banners demanding an end to the war and the return of Israeli captives.

Fears for Captives’ Lives

Families of Israeli captives voiced growing concerns that the expected Israeli ground assault on Gaza City could endanger the lives of around 50 captives believed to be held in the Strip, with estimates suggesting that only 20 may still be alive.

مظاهرة حاشدة في تل أبيب تطالب بإبرام صفقة تبادل أسرى ووقف احتلال مدينة غزة #حرب_غزة pic.twitter.com/y8X1XSj0Ro

— الجزيرة فلسطين (@AJA_Palestine) August 17, 2025