Hundreds of thousands attend protest calling for return of captives
As we’ve been reporting, Israelis have taken to the streets across the country to urge the government to return the captives held in Gaza and agree to end the war.
In footage verified by Al Jazeera, hundreds of thousands of people gathered in “Hostage Square” in Tel Aviv in a massive act against the government’s decision to continue the fighting and not prioritise the return of those held in the enclave.
More than 200K Israelis (according to the organizers) protested tonight in Tel Aviv, calling for a deal for the release of the hostages and ending the war in Gaza (Video: Yair Palti) pic.twitter.com/qs9o65CMzx
— Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) August 17, 2025
(Caption: More than 200K Israelis (according to the organisers ) protested tonight in Tel Aviv, calling for a deal for the release of the hostages and ending the war in Gaza.)
Israeli protesters arrested outside Likud headquarters in Tel Aviv
Israeli police have been filmed clashing with several protesters in Tel Aviv, who moved to demonstrate in front of the headquarters of Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party. At least four protesters were arrested, and videos circulating online showed police officers violently confronting people as other demonstrators chanted and banged on drums.
Organisers said nearly half a million people turned up at Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square tonight, and more than 1 million people participated in hundreds of activities held across the country throughout the day.
״אני לא מתנגד״ זעק המפגין שנגרר בידי 5 שוטרים
פרשים על המדרכות, מעצרים ואלימות שוטרים בסיום הצעדה בת"א
| צילום: חן ליאופולד Chen Leopold pic.twitter.com/UMcaAdhyeO
— Restart Israel (@restart_israel) August 17, 2025
Translation: “I’m not resisting,” shouted the protester being dragged by five police officers on the sidewalks amid arrests and police violence at the end of the march in Tel Aviv.
That's significant on a population of 10 million, 5% protesting, 10% participating.
