In Israel, hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets demanding an end to the Gaza war and the release of hostages held by Hamas. The largest rally took place at “Hostages Square” in Tel Aviv. Protesters say the government’s plan to seize Gaza City endangers the lives of the hostages.
As part of the protests, a one-day general strike was held. Some roads, universities and offices were closed, and nearly 40 people were arrested. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the demonstrations, saying: “They will only make Hamas more determined.”
Families of the hostages harshly criticized the government. Einav Zangauker, mother of a young man named Matan, said: “We demand our children. The government has turned a just war into a meaningless war.”
The protests began after Israel’s war cabinet decided to fully capture Gaza City. The UN condemned this plan. In Gaza, continuous bombardments are forcing thousands of people to flee their homes, and dozens of civilians have been killed.
According to UN estimates, 1.9 million people in Gaza have been displaced, with much of the population on the brink of famine. Hamas’s 2023 attack killed more than 1,200 Israelis, while Israel’s retaliatory strikes have killed more than 61,000 Palestinians.
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