A coalition of over 60 Jewish and Arab peace organizations has erected an encampment in Tel Aviv’s Dizengoff Square, protesting the war in Gaza. The protest, which began on Monday, marked 667 days since the conflict started and is set to remain in place indefinitely.
Organized by the It’s Time coalition, the encampment aims to spotlight the humanitarian crisis in Gaza while calling for the immediate release of the hostages and an end to the war. The coalition includes groups such as Rabbis for Human Rights, Standing-Together, and the Forum of Israeli Peace NGOs.
Mika Almog, the content director for It’s Time, told The Jerusalem Post that the war has been prolonged for the government’s political gain. “This is a criminal, political war that is still going on for political reasons that are certainly not in the interest of the Israeli people. The hostages should have been home a long time ago,” she said.
The coalition, founded in the summer of 2024, held a kickoff event at the Menora Mivtachim Arena attended by 60,000 supporters. Almog, who is the granddaughter of former president Shimon Peres, said the shared belief among encampment attendees was that the war was “not only inhuman and immoral, but detrimental to the future of Israel.”
A statement from the coalition highlighted the urgency of its message, stating, “This war must end. The most devastating war in our history must be stopped – now.” The statement directly addressed the humanitarian toll as well, referencing the “mass killing, the total destruction, and the starvation of an entire population,” comparing this to the Jewish vow of “Never Again.”
It’s Time also condemned the treatment of Israeli hostages, describing them as individuals “abandoned to die brutally in tunnels,” and called out settler violence in the West Bank.
“We’ve had enough of death,” the statement added. “We wake up to death in the morning and toss with death through sleepless nights.” This sentiment was echoed by Almog, who told the Post, “We will not stop resisting until life once again rules this land.”
Counter-protests and disruptions
The encampment has been met with opposition. Counter-protesters have come in waves, interrupting lectures and yelling at speakers and attendees. Members of the coalition have been accused by passing drivers who pulled over to confront them of hating Israel and of being indifferent to the hostages’ plight.
Despite the disruptions, It’s Time said it remains steadfast. Almog told the Post that its goal is to end the war, and the coalition intends to stay until this happens.
“We’re surrounded by death,” she said, repeating that it was time to make way for life. According to the organization, the group will not stop its actions until “the war and all its horrors cease.”