On September 1, 2024, mass protests broke out across Israel following the announcement by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) that six hostages, who had been held by Hamas in Gaza, were found dead. The protests have escalated into a nationwide outcry against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the hostage crisis, with many Israelis demanding an immediate ceasefire and a deal to secure the release of the remaining hostages.

The situation began with the IDF’s recovery of the bodies of six hostages, including Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin, from Gaza. According to US and Israeli officials, some of these hostages had been expected to be released in an anticipated ceasefire agreement. The news of their deaths has sparked widespread anger, with protesters blaming both Hamas and the Israeli government for the tragedy.

Protesters took to the streets in cities across the country, with the largest demonstration occurring in Tel Aviv. Organizers described the scene as an “endless sea of protesters,” with an estimated 550,000 people participating in Tel Aviv alone. In total, approximately 700,000 people are believed to have taken part in the protests nationwide.

In Tel Aviv, demonstrators gathered near the IDF headquarters, waving Israeli flags and holding posters bearing the images of the hostages. Chants of “We won’t abandon them” echoed through the streets as protesters called for the government to prioritize the release of the hostages. One speaker at the rally vowed that the fight would continue until all hostages were brought home.

Among the most poignant scenes was a group of protesters standing behind a mock cemetery made of cardboard cutouts, symbolically blaming Netanyahu for the deaths. Yael, a protester who attended to show support for her cousin, whose body was among those recovered, expressed deep anger at the government. “What they’ve been doing is unforgivable,” she said, adding that Netanyahu’s actions seemed more focused on retaining power than on saving lives.

The protests have been supported by Israel’s largest labor union, the Histadrut, which has called for a nationwide strike to begin on Monday. Union leader Arnon Bar-David declared that “the entire Israeli economy will shut down” in an effort to pressure the government into securing a deal for the hostages’ release. “We are in a downward spiral, and we don’t stop receiving body bags,” Bar-David said at a press conference, arguing that only a strike could “shock” the government into action.

In response, Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich attempted to prevent the strike by requesting urgent injunctions from the attorney general, arguing that such a move would harm the economy during wartime. Smotrich also ordered that any public employees who joined the strike would not be paid. Despite these efforts, the Histadrut has remained steadfast in its decision to proceed with the strike, reflecting the deepening rift within the Israeli government.

Meanwhile, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has publicly criticized the government’s approach to the hostage situation, calling it a “moral disgrace.” Gallant, who has clashed with Netanyahu over conditions for a ceasefire deal, argued that the government’s focus on maintaining control of a key border area along Gaza, known as the Philadelphi corridor, has come at the expense of the hostages’ lives. Gallant’s stance has largely been supported by Israel’s security establishment, further isolating Netanyahu within his own Cabinet.

The death of the six hostages has also raised concerns among US officials about Hamas’ willingness to negotiate in good faith. A senior US official told CNN that the killings “call into question Hamas’ seriousness about reaching a ceasefire deal.” Despite this, President Joe Biden expressed hope that a ceasefire agreement could still be reached, stating, “It’s time this war ended. We think we can close the deal.”

As Israel braces for the nationwide strike and continued protests, the pressure on Netanyahu’s government intensifies. The public’s anger is palpable, and the demand for decisive action to secure the remaining hostages’ release is growing louder. Whether the government will heed these calls or continue its current course remains to be seen, but the events of September 1 have undoubtedly marked a turning point in Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas.