Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets in Israel, particularly in Tel Aviv, urging for a ceasefire in the ongoing Gaza conflict and advocating for a deal to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. The largest gathering occurred in Tel Aviv's "Hostages Square" on Sunday. Organizers claim that the recent government initiative to occupy Gaza City poses significant risks to the lives of approximately 20 hostages.
In conjunction with the protests, a one-day national strike halted operations in several areas, including roads, offices, and universities. Authorities apprehended nearly 40 individuals during the protests. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the demonstrations, suggesting they could "harden Hamas's stance" and potentially delay the release of the hostages.
The protests were also criticized by far-right minister Bezalel Smotrich, who characterized them as a detrimental movement that benefits Hamas's agenda. Tensions escalated when riot police intervened to disperse demonstrators outside Netanyahu's Likud party headquarters, leading to clashes in the nation's largest city.
Families of the hostages, including Einav Zangauker, a mother advocating for her son Matan, highlighted their calls for an "achievable agreement" and an immediate end to the conflict. Zangauker expressed immense emotional pain while addressing the crowd, stating, "The Israeli government has transformed a just war into a pointless war."
These protests unfolded shortly after Israel's war cabinet decided to initiate a full-scale occupation of Gaza City, a move that the UN Security Council condemned. Many residents from Gaza City's southern Zeitoun neighborhood have fled, amidst intense bombardment that has been labeled "catastrophic" by local authorities.
As hostilities continue, media reports indicate that Israeli attacks have resulted in the deaths of at least 40 individuals in Gaza on Saturday alone. Hamas has accused Israeli forces of relentless offenses, particularly targeting eastern and southern neighborhoods. In response to the humanitarian crisis, the Israeli military announced it would allow aid organizations to reintroduce tents and necessary shelter equipment into Gaza.
Plans are being put in place for the forced displacement of around one million individuals from Gaza City to camps in the south, though specific timelines for military action remain unclear. Reports suggest that Prime Minister Netanyahu aims for comprehensive control of Gaza City by October 7, having already displaced approximately 1.9 million residents—about 90% of Gaza's population—according to UN statistics.
As the situation on the ground continues to deteriorate, the Gaza war, instigated by Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, which resulted in around 1,200 Israeli fatalities and the abduction of 251 individuals, has led to catastrophic losses, with Palestinian casualties exceeding 61,000 according to reliable reports from Gaza's health ministry.
