A day
earlier, the prime minister’s office said the security cabinet, a small group
of senior ministers, had decided to seize Gaza City, expanding military
operations in the devastated Palestinian territory despite widespread public
opposition and warnings from the military the move could endanger the hostages.
"This isn't just a military decision. It could be a
death sentence for the people we love most," Lishay Miran Lavi, the wife
of hostage Omri Miran told the rally, pleading to US President Donald Trump to
intervene to immediately end the war.
Public opinion polls show an overwhelming majority of
Israelis favour an immediate end to the war to secure the release of the
remaining 50 hostages held by militants in Gaza. Israeli officials believe
about 20 hostages are still alive.
The Israeli government has faced sharp criticism at home and
abroad, including from some of its closest European allies, over the
announcement that the military would expand the war. The full cabinet is
expected to give its approval as soon as Sunday.
Most of the hostages who have been freed so far emerged as a
result of diplomatic negotiations. Talks toward a ceasefire that could have
seen more hostages released collapsed in July.
"They (the government) are fanatic. They are doing
things against the interests of the country," said Rami Dar, 69-year-old
retiree, who traveled from a nearby suburb outside of Tel Aviv, echoing calls
for Trump to force a deal for the hostages.
Tel Aviv has seen frequent rallies urging the government to
reach a ceasefire and hostage deal with Hamas, who ignited the war with their
October 2023 attack. Saturday's demonstration attracted over 100,000 protesters,
according to organizers.
"Frankly, I'm not an expert or anything, but I feel
that after two years of fighting there has been no success," said Yana,
45, who attended the rally with her husband and two children. "I wonder
whether additional lives for both sides, not just the Israelis but also Gazans,
will make any difference."
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