HAIFA, ISRAEL (AUGUST 9, 2025) (ANADOLU-ACCESS ALL)

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HAIFA, ISRAEL - AUGUST 9: Thousands of Israeli demonstrators marched in Haifa on Saturday, August 9, calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the return of Israeli captives, and a prisoner exchange deal with Palestinian resistance groups.

The protest, which began at the Carmel Center and ended at the Horev Center, saw participants carrying banners reading "Stop the War" and "Bring Them Home Now," referring to the Israeli hostages held in Gaza.

Some protesters also held images of Palestinian children, demanding an end to Israel’s military offensive, which has killed over 61,300 Palestinians since October 2023, according to local health authorities.

The march in Haifa coincided with larger protests in Tel Aviv, where an estimated 60,000 people gathered in Hostages Square, blocking major streets to pressure Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to secure a deal for the captives.

Demonstrators accused the government of abandoning the hostages and prolonging the war for political survival.

Israel faces growing global condemnation over its military campaign in Gaza, which has caused widespread destruction and pushed the enclave to the brink of famine. In November 2023, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Additionally, Israel is defending itself against a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), brought by South Africa over its Gaza offensive.

Writing by Sibel Uygun