Tens of thousands of Israelis protested nationwide on August 17 and 18, 2025, demanding an end to the 22-month Gaza war and a hostage deal with Hamas, amid fears that planned military operations in Gaza City could endanger the remaining 49 captives, including 27 believed dead. Demonstrators blocked roads, clashed with police, and joined a general strike, with an estimated 500,000 gathering in Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square, carrying flags and photos while calling for a comprehensive agreement. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the actions, arguing they hardened Hamas’s stance and delayed releases following the October 7, 2023, attack that ignited the conflict. Meanwhile, Gaza’s humanitarian crisis deepened with reports of civilian casualties and malnutrition, as Israel intensified strikes against Yemen’s Houthi rebels on July 7, 2025, targeting ports after missile attacks linked to regional tensions.