Israeli families march for cease-fire
Soldiers’ and hostages’ relatives unite in Tel Aviv protests
Families of Israeli combat soldiers joined relatives of hostages in a joint march through Tel Aviv, demanding an end to the Gaza war and the return of both soldiers and captives. Protesters carried a banner urging the United States to “Make it Happen,” referencing President Donald Trump’s recent involvement in a U.S.–sponsored peace initiative. The march featured mothers of soldiers, many of whom displayed photographs of their children on the front lines, and they called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to halt hostilities and secure a cease‑fire.
Trump had secured Netanyahu’s endorsement for a 20‑point proposal that calls for an immediate cease‑fire, a hostage‑for‑prisoner exchange, a staged Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, Hamas disarmament and a transitional administration overseen by an international body. At a White House press conference, Trump said the parties were “beyond very close” to a deal but warned that if Hamas rejected the offer, Israel would have full U.S. backing for any action it deemed necessary.
The parental movement has grown rapidly, with more than 800 families signing petitions accusing the government of pursuing a “war with no exit.” Demonstrations in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem have featured bereaved mothers, parents of reservists and former senior officers who warn that morale is eroding and the military is being overstretched. They argue that the government’s refusal to accept a cease‑fire prolongs suffering for both Israelis and Palestinians and that the priority should be the safe return of hostages and the protection of soldiers, not further military objectives.
Public fatigue with the conflict is evident as thousands join the rallies, reflecting broader discontent over continuous mobilization, rising casualties and the economic toll of a war now entering its second year. Netanyahu has so far rejected calls to pause the offensive, maintaining that sustained military pressure is essential to defeat Hamas and guarantee Israel’s long‑term security. Nonetheless, the growing vocal pressure from soldiers’ families and reservists underscores a deepening domestic rift, marking one of the sharpest internal challenges Israel has faced since the conflict began.
