Thousands of demonstrators filled the streets of Israel as protests erupted against Prime Minister Netanyahu's proposed expansion of military operations in Gaza. Following the security cabinet's approval of new strategies aimed at taking control of Gaza City, protesters expressed deep fears about the potential risks faced by hostages, particularly the families of 50 individuals believed to be held captive, 20 of whom are still thought to be alive.
Amid the demonstrations, Prime Minister Netanyahu defended the plans, asserting that they would ultimately aid in rescuing the hostages. The protesters, including relatives of the hostages, voiced strong opposition, stating, “Expanding the fighting endangers the hostages and the soldiers - the people of Israel are not willing to risk them!”
In Jerusalem, one protester named Shakha shared her anguish, demanding an end to the war to bring hostages home. Additionally, a former soldier named Max Kresch revealed that he and over 350 others had decided to refuse military service, calling the operation a “political war that endangers lives.”
Calls for a general strike echoed amidst the protests, led by the mother of a hostage, while opposition leader Yair Lapid supported the idea. However, the main labor union has chosen not to back such actions.
On the streets of Tel Aviv, demonstrations turned fiery as bonfires lit the Ayalon Highway. Israeli police reported arrests connected to these protests, where demonstrators expressed their frustration with the government’s plans, which many perceive as detrimental to both hostages and civilians in Gaza.
Warnings from military officials further complicated the situation, as an army chief cautioned Netanyahu about the risks involved in a full occupation of Gaza. Public sentiment, according to recent polls, suggests a majority desire a deal with Hamas to secure the safe return of hostages and an end to hostilities.
Critics of Israel's plans have emerged internationally, including condemnation from countries like the UK and Germany, alongside calls from the UN for more humanitarian aid into Gaza. Reports from the Hamas-run health ministry indicate tragic consequences of the ongoing conflict, with hundreds dying from malnutrition.
Fresh reports revealed escalating casualties, with Israel’s military operations resulting in over 60,000 deaths in Gaza since launching an offensive after the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, which initially claimed about 1,200 lives. International leaders continue to call for urgent humanitarian assistance amid the growing crisis.
Amid the demonstrations, Prime Minister Netanyahu defended the plans, asserting that they would ultimately aid in rescuing the hostages. The protesters, including relatives of the hostages, voiced strong opposition, stating, “Expanding the fighting endangers the hostages and the soldiers - the people of Israel are not willing to risk them!”
In Jerusalem, one protester named Shakha shared her anguish, demanding an end to the war to bring hostages home. Additionally, a former soldier named Max Kresch revealed that he and over 350 others had decided to refuse military service, calling the operation a “political war that endangers lives.”
Calls for a general strike echoed amidst the protests, led by the mother of a hostage, while opposition leader Yair Lapid supported the idea. However, the main labor union has chosen not to back such actions.
On the streets of Tel Aviv, demonstrations turned fiery as bonfires lit the Ayalon Highway. Israeli police reported arrests connected to these protests, where demonstrators expressed their frustration with the government’s plans, which many perceive as detrimental to both hostages and civilians in Gaza.
Warnings from military officials further complicated the situation, as an army chief cautioned Netanyahu about the risks involved in a full occupation of Gaza. Public sentiment, according to recent polls, suggests a majority desire a deal with Hamas to secure the safe return of hostages and an end to hostilities.
Critics of Israel's plans have emerged internationally, including condemnation from countries like the UK and Germany, alongside calls from the UN for more humanitarian aid into Gaza. Reports from the Hamas-run health ministry indicate tragic consequences of the ongoing conflict, with hundreds dying from malnutrition.
Fresh reports revealed escalating casualties, with Israel’s military operations resulting in over 60,000 deaths in Gaza since launching an offensive after the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, which initially claimed about 1,200 lives. International leaders continue to call for urgent humanitarian assistance amid the growing crisis.
