Women Transform Israeli Anti-War Protests Amid Gaza Conflict Deaths

Israeli women activists have launched a growing protest movement to highlight the mounting civilian toll in Gaza, an issue long overlooked in Israeli anti-war discourse as focus remained on hostages. Initially met with skepticism, their silent demonstrations—displaying photos of Palestinian children killed in recent Israeli strikes—have attracted increasing public support and participation, growing from just a handful of women to hundreds. This shift comes amid reports from U.N. agencies that over 15,000 children have died in Gaza since the conflict began, with hundreds killed in recent strikes. The activists hope their efforts will humanize Palestinian victims for the Israeli public and foster empathy alongside calls for the return of Israeli hostages. Their movement marks a notable change in the willingness of some Israelis to acknowledge the suffering on both sides of the conflict. The women emphasize that recognizing Palestinian suffering does not equate to being against Israel, but rather seeks to broaden the conversation toward peace.