Thousands of protesters filled the streets of Tel Aviv on Saturday to oppose Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s new plan to seize full control of the Gaza Strip, in one of the largest demonstrations since the Israel-Hamas war began. The rally, which also included the weekly gathering of families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza, echoed calls for an immediate ceasefire and the safe return of those still in captivity.

The demonstration came a day after Israel’s government endorsed Netanyahu’s strategy to intensify military operations in Gaza despite mounting public opposition and warnings from the army that the move could jeopardise the lives of the remaining hostages. Polls indicate that a majority of Israelis favour ending the fighting to secure the release of roughly 50 hostages, of whom officials believe about 20 are still alive.

Among the speakers was Lishai Miran Lavi, whose husband Omri is among those detained by Hamas. She warned that Netanyahu’s plan “could be a death sentence for the most precious people in our lives” and urged U.S. President Donald Trump to intervene to halt the war.

Protesters waved Israeli flags, displayed photographs of hostages, and carried signs appealing directly to the government and to foreign leaders. Some demonstrators also held images of children killed in Gaza, highlighting the human toll on both sides. Tal Nahum, a participant in the protest, voiced frustration at the government’s handling of the war, saying, “We didn’t agree with all the decisions that our government is doing, and secondly, we blame our government for all the disasters that occurred in October 2023.”

The plan to escalate the war has drawn criticism from opposition politicians, rights groups, and international allies, with some European partners cautioning against actions that could further inflame the conflict. While most hostages released so far have been freed through negotiated agreements, Israel has suspended further talks, a move that families say has stalled progress.

Netanyahu’s cabinet — which has also authorised strikes in Lebanon, Yemen, Syria, and Iran since 7 October — remains determined to pursue military objectives. Some hard-line coalition members, including far-right minister Bezalel Smotrich, have called for the annexation of parts of Gaza. The army, however, has warned that such measures could endanger hostages and complicate Israel’s security situation.

The conflict was triggered by the 7 October Hamas attack, which killed around 1,200 Israelis and led to the abduction of 251 people. Israel’s military response has killed more than 61,000 people in Gaza, according to local authorities, and caused widespread destruction. A blockade has also created severe shortages of food, leading to famine conditions in parts of the territory.

Netanyahu has stated that Israel intends to capture Gaza City but does not plan to permanently occupy the entire strip. The full cabinet is expected to give final approval to the takeover plan on Sunday.