Tens of thousands of Israelis returned to the streets on Saturday evening, June 28 all over the country. Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square and Begin Road, the first time in three weeks, due to Israel’s war against Iran and the prohibition on large gatherings amid repeated missile attacks, reigniting weekly demonstrations in support of a hostage deal and protest the war in Gaza. A protest was held also outside Likud Party headquarters in King George Street at central Tel Aviv, where hundreds of anti-war and anti-occupation participants displayed images of Palestinian children killed by Israeli troops in the war. Also, in Jerusalem, Haifa and Kfar Sava, activists carried photos of Gaza children murdered by Israel.
“End the foolish war”, hundreds of activists marched in Jerusalem, Saturday evening, June 28, 2025 (Photo: Yonatan Sindel / Flash90)
MK Ayman Odeh, the Hadash lawmaker facing impeachment proceedings, called for unity and a ceasefire at mass anti-war protest in Kfar Saba, central Israel. “We must reach a comprehensive deal. We must bring back all the hostages. We must end the war on Gaza,” said Odeh, who leads the Hadash-Ta’al faction. “Enough! Enough with the wars!”
In an appeal to the crowd, Odeh said, “I am your partner. And you are my partners. Yes, there are differences, there are disagreements, but I want you to know: I am your partner, because my soul still yearns for freedom. I am your partner, because I still believe in humanity.” Odeh, who was invited to speak by the organizers of the protest, concluded his remarks by calling to continue the demonstrations. “After so much death, suffering, and tears, better days will come. We will bring them,” he told the crowd.
In the northern Israeli port city of Haifa, demonstrators held up signs demanding that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu leave office. “The war must end, the hostages must return, the government must fall!” one read. “How much more blood will be spilled before the guilty one goes?” read another.” In Jerusalem hundreds marched under the sign “End the foolish war.”
At Alonim Junction in northern Israel, demonstrators held up hands covered in red paint and chanted, “We have no soldiers for the wars for Netanyahu’s welfare. In the central Israeli city of Ness Ziona, protesters held a large banner that simply said: “End this fucking war.” At Umm Al-Fahm, several Communist Party of Israel and Hadash activists participated in the demonstration against the war, “Raise your voice! Stop the slaughter!” they cried.
Einav Zangauker, the mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, warned that there is not much time left for the hostages at a protest outside the Israeli army headquarters in Begin Road. “We stand here today, parents of three hostages who are still alive,” she said, alongside the parents of hostages Nimrod Cohen and Eitan Horn. “Against all odds, our children are still alive, but they won’t survive for much longer. If they aren’t brought home now, they will die in captivity – whether by Israeli army shelling, their deteriorating medical situation or by being shot by their captors,” Zangauker continued. “There’s a deal on the table, and Netanyahu’s refusal to end the war is the only thing preventing it from being signed.”
Today evening a mass demonstration will be held in Haifa in protest the impeachment of Hadash MK Odeh and against war and occupation. Tomorrow, Monday morning, another protest will be held in front of the Knesset in Jerusalem during the impeachment hearing for MK Odeh.
Related: https://maki.org.il/en/?p=32792
