Hundreds of thousands of people gathered in central Tel Aviv on Sunday night, marking the end of a nationwide day of protests and strikes demanding the release of hostages held in Gaza and an end to the ongoing war. The rally, one of the largest since the conflict began, saw emotional speeches from families of hostages, who accused the government of abandoning their loved ones for political reasons. Videos of hostages in captivity were shown to the crowd, intensifying calls for a comprehensive deal to bring them home.

Protests and strikes swept across the country, with major demonstrations in Jerusalem, Haifa, Beersheba, and other cities, and incidents of clashes with police and confrontations with drivers. While most hostage families supported the protest movement, some opposed it, arguing that public pressure could strengthen Hamas's position. The government, meanwhile, faces mounting pressure to consider both comprehensive and partial deals for the hostages' release, with reports suggesting a possible shift in negotiation strategy.

As the cabinet debates its next steps, the nation remains divided over how best to secure the hostages' freedom and end the war. The situation is further complicated by conflicting positions within the government and among the families, as well as ongoing mediation efforts by international actors.