Israelis Protest in Tel Aviv Demanding Gaza Ceasefire, Release of Hostages, and Netanyahu’s Resignation
Tel Aviv, Israel | July 6, 2025 —
Thousands of Israeli citizens took to the streets of Tel Aviv on Saturday (July 5), demanding an end to the Gaza war, the release of hostages held by Hamas, and the resignation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The protest featured symbolic acts and performance-based demonstrations.
Israeli Airstrikes Kill Civilians in Gaza
A hospital in Gaza’s Deir al-Balah city reported that at least 14 Palestinians were killed in an Israeli airstrike on Saturday. In addition, 10 others died while attempting to collect food aid.
Efforts to broker a ceasefire led by the United States have gained renewed momentum in the nearly 21-month-long conflict.
U.S. Aid Workers Injured in Khan Yunis
Two American workers were injured in an attack on a Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) food distribution center in southern Gaza’s Khan Yunis.
GHF, a U.S.- and Israel-backed organization, blamed Hamas for the attack, though it has not provided evidence.
Positive Response from Hamas
Hamas has responded “positively” to a 60-day ceasefire proposal drafted by the U.S. Discussions on implementation are still ongoing.
Hamas is reportedly demanding a complete end to the war and a guaranteed withdrawal of Israeli troops.
Plea from Families of Hostages
At the weekly rally in Tel Aviv, Einav, the mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, made an emotional appeal:
"Send a delegation with full authority to end the war and ensure the release of all hostages. No one should be left behind."
Civilian Deaths Mount in Gaza
An Israeli airstrike in the Muwasi area killed a doctor and his three young children, among seven total casualties. Four people were killed in Bani Suheila, and three more in separate attacks in Khan Yunis.
Violence Around GHF Distribution Centers
Eight Palestinians were killed near a GHF distribution center in Rafah, and another was killed at a different site.
GHF claimed no one was killed inside its centers and emphasized that all individuals must pass through Israeli military checkpoints before entry.
International Criticism and Aid Challenges
GHF — a U.S. and Israeli-backed project — distributes aid in Gaza bypassing the United Nations.
However, the UN and other humanitarian organizations have criticized its approach as inconsistent with humanitarian principles.
Due to repeated shootings and attacks near distribution points, many Palestinians have been killed while trying to access aid.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, 613 Palestinians have died in the past month alone while attempting to receive assistance.
Background of the War
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and took 251 hostages.
In response, Israeli military operations have killed over 57,000 people in Gaza to date — more than half of them women and children.
Although Gaza’s Health Ministry is under Hamas control, the United Nations and other international agencies consider its casualty data among the most reliable sources available.
