Viki Cohen, the mother of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, has spoken out against reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to fully occupy Gaza. “We’re hearing talk about conquering Gaza, that will be a death sentence for our hostages,” said Cohen, after stating that the Israeli government “is ruining all of our values.”

The protesters marched through Tel Aviv, past Kirya military headquarters, calling for a halt to the IDF's Gaza expansion plans, which they said risked hostages' lives. Hundreds of demonstrators, including families of hostages still being held in Gaza,

U.N. Security Council members were due to meet for a special session requested by Israel to demand action on the dozens of hostages held by militants in Gaza.