On Tuesday, thousands of Israelis demonstrated across the country, blocking highways and igniting tires to urge the government to negotiate with Hamas. Einav Zangauker, whose son is held captive by Hamas, called for greater public participation in the protests. She stated, "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is afraid of one thing — public pressure. Only with our strength can we bring about a comprehensive agreement and an end to the war."

Zangauker's sentiments were echoed by Democratic MK Gilad Kariv, who emphasized that previous hostage negotiations were successful due to public pressure. He asserted that if enough pressure is applied now, Netanyahu would be compelled to reach an agreement to end the conflict and secure the release of hostages.

The opposition parties have largely united in their criticism of the current military strategy, which has intensified fighting in Gaza City. This strategy aims to reclaim the approximately 25 percent of the Gaza Strip still under Hamas control. However, Netanyahu faces criticism from both sides of the political spectrum. Last month, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, leader of the ultranationalist Religious Zionism party, expressed his loss of faith in Netanyahu's ability to lead the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to a decisive victory. Some members of his party have threatened to withdraw from the coalition, believing the current military strategy is merely a tactic to force Hamas into a favorable agreement for Israel.

Netanyahu has repeatedly stated that increased military pressure is necessary to compel Hamas to surrender and release the hostages. He has approved plans for renewed offensives, despite opposition from his military chief. For the ultranationalist members of his coalition, only a complete annexation of Gaza would be acceptable. They have successfully influenced Netanyahu to reject any deal that does not ensure the release of all hostages and Hamas's capitulation.

Hamas is also facing pressure from its own citizens, who are weary of the ongoing conflict, as well as from other Arab nations. In July, the Arab League, consisting of 22 member states, took the unprecedented step of endorsing the "New York Declaration," which calls for Hamas to disarm and relinquish control over Gaza.

As Israel and other nations push for Hamas's surrender, the group is attempting to escalate pressure on Israel. Their strategy involves maximizing destruction in Gaza, both real and perceived, while framing Israel's actions as "genocide" to isolate it internationally. Reports of famine in Gaza have further bolstered Hamas's narrative. Esmat Mansour, a Palestinian political commentator, noted, "The (Israeli) military is exhausted, Israeli protests are increasing, maybe the government will fall, maybe there will be international pressure — especially because of the images of hunger, Europe will pressure the U.S. Hamas says: ‘There is nothing worse than surrender. Why should I surrender? I am remaining steadfast and maybe the situation will change to my advantage.’"

Hamas continues to view the hostages as its last bargaining chip, making it unlikely that they will easily relinquish them or accept defeat. The group has maintained its grip on power for nearly two years despite facing a superior military force. Consequently, global powers have resorted to issuing strong statements urging the release of hostages and disarmament, even as they acknowledge their limited influence over Hamas. Instead, countries like Canada have focused their pressure campaigns on other involved parties.