Tel Aviv-Tens of thousands rallied in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and other cities to oppose Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to take control of Gaza City. Organized by families of Hamas-held captives, the protests—among the largest since the war began—demand an immediate ceasefire, warning the operation could endanger hostages and escalate the conflict.

The demonstrations come after Netanyahu’s cabinet approved a plan to “conclude the war” by taking full control over gaza city. Critics at home and abroad warn the move risks a humanitarian crisis and further bloodshed.

Around 50 hostages remain missing in Gaza, with only about 20 believed alive since Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack killed 1,200 and abducted 251 people. Meanwhile israeli attacks have killed more than 61,000 palestinian including women and children, leaving more than thousands of them injured.