Relatives and supporters of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip take part in a protest demanding their immediate release and against the Israeli offensive in Gaza City, as they gather in Tel Aviv. AP
According to Israeli news site Ynet, hundreds of students blocked an intersection in northern Israel as the new school year began, demanding an agreement with Hamas to secure the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza.
Some carried placards declaring: “No education without the hostages.”
The student strike coincided with the return of around 2.5 million pupils after the summer break.
Organized dissent against the war has grown in various sectors of Israeli society, including within the military itself.
A key component of this opposition is a series of open letters and petitions from military reservists and veterans, including elite units, who argue that continuing the conflict no longer serves Israel's security interests and may endanger hostages and soldiers.
Many are demanding an immediate ceasefire and a deal to secure the return of the remaining captives, believing that military pressure is no longer an effective strategy.
Public protests have also become a frequent occurrence, with tens of thousands of Israelis demonstrating in major cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
These protests, often led by families of the hostages, express frustration with the government's handling of the war and its perceived lack of urgency in reaching a deal.
Activist groups, including Israeli and Palestinian citizens, have joined the call for an end to the war, highlighting its devastating humanitarian impact and the need for a political solution over a military one.
Nearly 600 former senior figures from Israel’s security services and diplomatic corps signed a public letter pressing the US to intervene.
The appeal, reported by Maariv, came from the group Commanders for Israel’s Security, which includes former chiefs of staff, Mossad and Shin Bet veterans, police commanders, and ex-diplomats.
The signatories voiced “shock and disappointment” at the government’s refusal to plan for a post-war strategy, arguing that “Hamas no longer poses the strategic threat it was once thought to be.”
They called on US President Donald Trump to push for an end to the war, the release of all hostages, expanded humanitarian aid, a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the establishment of an alternative governing body for the enclave in coordination with Arab states and the Palestinian Authority, while safeguarding Israel’s right to self-defence.
Hamas announced on 18 August that it had accepted a mediation proposal, presented by Egypt and Qatar, for a partial ceasefire and prisoner exchange, which Tel Aviv had previously agreed to.
However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected holding a cabinet vote on such a deal on Sunday, according to Israeli media, with the meeting reportedly marked by heated exchanges.
Yedioth Ahronoth said Netanyahu told ministers at the secure session—relocated following the assassination of Houthi government ministers last Thursday—that the proposal was “no longer possible due to new circumstances,” without elaborating.
National security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and other hardliners pushed for a formal vote rejecting any partial deal.
By contrast, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar urged a more constructive approach.
Military officials were said by Channel 13 to have backed a prisoner exchange, but Netanyahu insisted “no deal exists at present.”
Channel 12 reported that he cited Trump’s rejection of partial agreements, insisting that the war must be resolved “by force.”
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