ISRAEL FACES MORE PRESSURE AT HOME AND ABROAD AS GAZA OFFENSIVE GOES ON
JERUSALEM, Israel – August 26, 2025:Israel is dealing with a lot of pressure, both inside the country and from other nations, as its military actions in Gaza continue. Talks for a ceasefire have stalled, and a new attack on Gaza City is expected. Families of the remaining hostages held by Hamas have increased their protests, saying that continued military action puts their family members at risk. At the same time, the rising number of civilian deaths and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza have caused widespread global disapproval and demands to stop fighting immediately.
Hostage Crisis and Anger at Home
Pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is higher than ever, mostly because of the Hostages and Missing Families Forum. On a “National Day of Struggle,” thousands of protesters in Israel blocked roads, burned tires, and protested outside government buildings. They want the government to focus on a ceasefire deal to free the 50 hostages still thought to be held in Gaza.
The protests have put the hostage crisis in the spotlight. The families are saying that the government is sacrificing the lives of the captives for its military goals. They are openly rejecting Netanyahu’s claim that keeping up military stress is the only way to force Hamas to release the hostages.
International Criticism and Diplomatic Trouble
The world’s reaction to the expanded attack has been very critical. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire, warning of massive death and destruction if the operation in Gaza City happens. The Media Freedom Coalition, representing 27 countries, has also criticized the recent attacks on journalists and asked for international media to have full access to Gaza.
Also, more and more countries are taking diplomatic action. Egypt and Saudi Arabia have asked for stronger international stress on Israel to end the war, while countries like Bolivia and Colombia have completely cut ties. France and Spain have also called for a ceasefire, pointing out a change in attitude among some of Israel’s longtime friends.
The Expected Gaza City Attack
Even with the growing pressure, Prime Minister Netanyahu has given the final OK for a large-scale capture of Gaza City. The Israeli military has started calling up 60,000 reservists and extending the time of service for another 20,000, showing that it plans to move forward with the operation. Some military actions have already started in areas like Zeitoun and the Jabaliya refugee camp, where Israel says Hamas still has military power.
The attack is planned to target areas where Hamas is thought to be holding hostages. But the military’s plan to increase actions in crowded areas has caused international concern, as Gaza is already facing a humanitarian crisis with famine in some areas.
The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The situation for Palestinians in Gaza is very bad. The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry says that total deaths have gone over 62,000, with hundreds more dying from illnesses related to malnutrition. Hospitals and aid groups have warned that the area is close to widespread starvation because of serious aid limits.
The humanitarian crisis has caused rare protests inside Gaza, with Palestinians asking for an end to the war. The crisis is fueling international calls for a ceasefire, with humanitarian organizations and many nations pushing for immediate and open delivery of aid.
Finding a Difficult Balance
Israel’s government is in a tough spot. It is trying to balance its stated goals of taking apart Hamas and freeing the hostages with the growing stress at home and abroad to end the conflict. The recent events show a growing gap between the government’s military plan and the public’s hope to bring their family members home. How this pressure plays out will decide the path of the war and its long-term effect on the region.
