Thousands rally nationwide as tensions rise over proposed military escalation in Gaza amid hostage crisis.
Protests Erupt in Israel Against Netanyahu's Gaza Expansion Strategy
Protests Erupt in Israel Against Netanyahu's Gaza Expansion Strategy
Mass demonstrations challenge PM's military plans amid hostage fears and humanitarian concerns.
Protesters have taken to the streets in Israel to voice strong opposition against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government plans to expand military operations in Gaza. Following a decision by Israel's security cabinet on Friday, which approved five principles aimed at concluding the current conflict, the focus turned to increased security control of the Gaza Strip. The military, reinforcing the cabinet's decision, announced preparations to potentially assume control of Gaza City itself.
Among the demonstrators are families of the 50 hostages believed to be held in Gaza, expressing deep concern that such military actions may endanger their loved ones. Leaders of the protests have urged the government to prioritize the safe return of hostages. "Expanding the fighting jeopardizes the lives of the hostages and our soldiers—Israelis are unwilling to risk them," a spokesperson for the families remarked on X.
During the protests, one participant named Shakha, from Jerusalem, passionately stated, "We demand the end of this war because our hostages are in peril. We need all of them back home." Others echoed similar sentiments, asserting that if halting military operations is necessary to secure the hostages' return, then it should be done.
In a strong display of dissent, former combat soldiers, including Max Kresch, revealed their refusal to continue to serve under what they termed Netanyahu's "political war." Kresch cited the threat this conflict poses to hostages and the humanitarian crisis impacting innocent Palestinians. The Times of Israel reported that protests near the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) headquarters in Tel Aviv featured calls from families of hostages for soldiers to also refuse service in operations that amplify risk to hostages.
The outcry has reached high levels of concern within the military, with the army's Chief of Staff, Lt Gen Eyal Zamir, reportedly advising Netanyahu against a full occupation of Gaza, warning that it might lead to dangerous situations for the existing hostages still alive.
Public sentiment reflects increasing skepticism regarding military escalation, with polls indicating a preference among many Israelis for negotiations with Hamas aimed at securing the release of the hostages. Netanyahu, however, remains staunch in his belief that military control over Gaza is necessary. In remarks made earlier in the week, he outlined plans that would involve disarming Hamas and transitioning control to "Arab forces" post-occupation.
The Israeli security cabinet's outlined strategy encompasses several components designed to end the conflict, including the disarmament of Hamas, the return of all hostages, demilitarization of Gaza, and the establishment of civil governance not affiliated with Hamas or the Palestinian Authority.
Despite the development of a military strategy, the United Nations has raised alarms regarding the humanitarian implications of a comprehensive assault on Gaza City, warning of disastrous outcomes for both civilians and the hostages. Official reports indicate that the region has faced significant casualties, with approximately 61,300 deaths reported in Gaza since the onset of Israeli military operations triggered by the attacks from Hamas on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of about 1,200 people in Israel and the taking of 251 hostages.
Globally, many nations, including the UK, France, and Canada, have reacted critically to Israel's military plans, with Germany announcing a halt on military exports to Israel in protest. The United Nations Security Council is set to convene on Sunday to deliberate on Israel's contentious strategy.
Among the demonstrators are families of the 50 hostages believed to be held in Gaza, expressing deep concern that such military actions may endanger their loved ones. Leaders of the protests have urged the government to prioritize the safe return of hostages. "Expanding the fighting jeopardizes the lives of the hostages and our soldiers—Israelis are unwilling to risk them," a spokesperson for the families remarked on X.
During the protests, one participant named Shakha, from Jerusalem, passionately stated, "We demand the end of this war because our hostages are in peril. We need all of them back home." Others echoed similar sentiments, asserting that if halting military operations is necessary to secure the hostages' return, then it should be done.
In a strong display of dissent, former combat soldiers, including Max Kresch, revealed their refusal to continue to serve under what they termed Netanyahu's "political war." Kresch cited the threat this conflict poses to hostages and the humanitarian crisis impacting innocent Palestinians. The Times of Israel reported that protests near the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) headquarters in Tel Aviv featured calls from families of hostages for soldiers to also refuse service in operations that amplify risk to hostages.
The outcry has reached high levels of concern within the military, with the army's Chief of Staff, Lt Gen Eyal Zamir, reportedly advising Netanyahu against a full occupation of Gaza, warning that it might lead to dangerous situations for the existing hostages still alive.
Public sentiment reflects increasing skepticism regarding military escalation, with polls indicating a preference among many Israelis for negotiations with Hamas aimed at securing the release of the hostages. Netanyahu, however, remains staunch in his belief that military control over Gaza is necessary. In remarks made earlier in the week, he outlined plans that would involve disarming Hamas and transitioning control to "Arab forces" post-occupation.
The Israeli security cabinet's outlined strategy encompasses several components designed to end the conflict, including the disarmament of Hamas, the return of all hostages, demilitarization of Gaza, and the establishment of civil governance not affiliated with Hamas or the Palestinian Authority.
Despite the development of a military strategy, the United Nations has raised alarms regarding the humanitarian implications of a comprehensive assault on Gaza City, warning of disastrous outcomes for both civilians and the hostages. Official reports indicate that the region has faced significant casualties, with approximately 61,300 deaths reported in Gaza since the onset of Israeli military operations triggered by the attacks from Hamas on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of about 1,200 people in Israel and the taking of 251 hostages.
Globally, many nations, including the UK, France, and Canada, have reacted critically to Israel's military plans, with Germany announcing a halt on military exports to Israel in protest. The United Nations Security Council is set to convene on Sunday to deliberate on Israel's contentious strategy.
