Staff Correspondent
Thousands of Israelis took to the streets across the country on Sunday (August 17), demanding an end to the war in Gaza and the immediate release of hostages held in the besieged enclave. The demonstrations, organized by hostage families and supported by citizens and prominent figures, saw protesters waving Israeli flags and holding photos of captives while blowing whistles, honking horns, and beating drums.
In Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, protesters blocked major highways, leading to clashes with police, who arrested at least 38 demonstrators. Among the attendees in Tel Aviv was Hollywood actress Gal Gadot (“Wonder Woman”), whose presence amplified the protest’s visibility.
Anat Angrest, mother of hostage Matan Angrest, emotionally addressed journalists, saying, “Today, it feels like everything has stopped. We just want our loved ones back.”
The protests were briefly interrupted when air raid sirens sounded in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, warning of a missile fired from Yemen. Israeli authorities later confirmed the missile was intercepted without casualties.
The demonstrations have intensified pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, with protesters and hostage families urging officials to prioritize hostage negotiations over military action in Gaza.