Thousands Protest in Israel Demanding End to Gaza War, Release of 49 Hostages, and Trump Intervention

Thousands of Israelis have staged large-scale protests across Israel, particularly in Tel Aviv, demanding an end to the ongoing war in Gaza and the immediate release of the 49 to 50 Israeli hostages held by Hamas. The demonstrations, which included rallies at Hostages Square and outside the Ministry of Defense, reflect growing public pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to halt military operations in Gaza. Families of the hostages have called for a comprehensive prisoner exchange deal and urged former U.S. President Donald Trump to intervene in persuading Netanyahu to end the conflict.

Gvirshon Baskin, a key architect of the 2011 Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange deal, has criticized Netanyahu's approach, warning that continued Israeli military presence in Gaza puts soldiers at risk and hinders hostage recovery efforts. Baskin also suggested that Hamas is willing to negotiate a full exchange if the war ends. The protests follow a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran after a 12-day conflict that resulted in casualties on both sides. Demonstrators reject partial hostage exchange deals, insisting on the release of all captives at once. The families of the Israeli hostages plan to capitalize on the protest momentum to push for a deal that would secure the hostages' return and bring an end to the war.