In Israel, Tens of Thousands Protest in Favor of a Ceasefire in Gaza

Following the discovery of six more Israeli hostages dead in Gaza on Sunday night, hundreds of demonstrators stopped Tel Aviv’s main route in outrage.

Tens of thousands of distraught and enraged Israelis stormed the streets, demanding that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu negotiate a cease-fire with Hamas in order to free the remaining hostages.

Though the nation is sharply split, the massive march seemed to be the biggest of its kind in the 11 months of the conflict, and demonstrators said it felt like a potential turning point.

The Histadrut, the biggest labor union in Israel, put more pressure on the government by announcing a nationwide walkout for Monday—the first since the Hamas attack on October 7 that ignited the conflict.

It seeks to close or interfere with key economic sectors, including as the nation’s primary airport, banking, and healthcare.

The cease-fire talks have been going on for months. Many hold Netanyahu responsible for the failure to negotiate a settlement, even though polls indicate that most Israelis support it.

The prime minister, however, nevertheless enjoys strong backing for his “total victory” policy against Hamas, even if it means delaying a hostage agreement.