After 20 months, a growing number of Israelis want the war in Gaza to end, primarily driven by fears for the 54 remaining hostages held by Hamas, rather than concern for Gazan suffering. While a minority expresses empathy for Palestinians, polls indicate a majority favor a ceasefire deal to release captives. This sentiment contrasts with Prime Minister Netanyahu's stance on military pressure and highlights deep political divisions within Israel, with some reservists now refusing to serve.
More Israelis want the war to end - driven by fears for hostages
Israel-Gaza warIsrael
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️After 20 months, a growing number of Israelis want the war in Gaza to end, primarily driven by fears for the 54 remaining hostages held by Hamas, rather than concern for Gazan suffering. While a minority expresses empathy for Palestinians, polls indicate a majority favor a ceasefire deal to release captives. This sentiment contrasts with Prime Minister Netanyahu's stance on military pressure and highlights deep political divisions within Israel, with some reservists now refusing to serve.
Trending- 1 2023-10: Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking around 251 hostages; the war in Gaza began.
- 2 2025-03: Israel broke the latest ceasefire.
- 3 2025-05: The Israel Democracy Institute (IDI) asked Israelis whether the suffering of Gazan civilians should be a factor in government decisions.
- 4 2025-06: Jerusalem's Pride March included posters of hostages and 'Stop The War' slogans.
- 5 Ongoing: Growing number of Israelis want the war to end, driven by fears for hostages; silent demonstrations with posters of children killed and injured in Gaza.
- Increased public pressure on the Israeli government to end the war and prioritize hostage release.
- Deepening political divisions within Israel.
- Some Israeli reservists refusing to serve.
- Accusations of antisemitism complicating pro-Palestinian movements in Europe and America.
What: A growing number of Israelis want the war in Gaza to end, primarily driven by concerns for the 54 remaining hostages held by Hamas. Public support for a ceasefire deal is increasing, although empathy for Gazan suffering remains a minority view among Jewish Israelis. This sentiment is leading to protests and some reservists refusing to serve.
When: The war in Gaza began in October 2023 (20 months ago). The latest ceasefire was broken in March 2025. Polls by the Israel Democracy Institute (IDI) were carried out last month (May 2025) and earlier this year. Jerusalem's Pride March occurred in June 2025. The article was published on June 10, 2025.
Where: Israel (Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Knesset, Hostages Square, occupied West Bank) and Gaza.
Why: The primary reason for wanting the war to end is the fear for the lives of the remaining Israeli hostages. Other contributing factors include exhaustion with the prolonged conflict, disillusionment over achieving war goals (like the total destruction of Hamas), and the strain on Israeli reservists (health, finances, families).
How: Public opinion shifts, as reflected in polls, are influencing the desire to end the war. Protests are ongoing in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, including silent demonstrations and anti-war rallies. Some reservists are refusing to serve due to ethical objections or personal strain.