Tens of thousands of protesters have taken to the streets across Israel, expressing their staunch opposition to the government's newly approved military plan aimed at escalating the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The protests come in response to the Israeli security cabinet's decision to adopt five key principles for the war, notably the intention to establish security control over Gaza, as the Israeli military prepares to move on Gaza City.
Israeli Protests Surge Over Expanding Military Operations in Gaza
Israeli Protests Surge Over Expanding Military Operations in Gaza
Public opposition mounts against Netanyahu's plans to escalate military action amid concerns for hostages' safety.
The demonstrations have been particularly poignant as family members of the 50 hostages held in Gaza fear that the expanded military actions could jeopardize their safety. With an estimated 20 hostages believed to still be alive, advocates among the demonstrators are demanding that the government prioritize their release over military ambitions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the government's stance, asserting that the military operations would ultimately facilitate the hostages' liberation.
"I want the war to end because our hostages are dying there; we need them all home now," stated a protester named Shakha. Many participants, including former soldiers, indicated their refusal to serve further in what they deemed a political conflict that endangers both hostages and innocent civilians.
In a poignant call for action, the mother of a hostage has urged for a general strike, a sentiment echoed by opposition leader Yair Lapid; however, the nation's leading labor union did not endorse the strike. Protests intensified over the weekend, with demonstrators blocking major highways and igniting bonfires, leading to arrests and confrontations with police.
Internal dissent within the Israeli military has heightened as army Chief of Staff Lt Gen Eyal Zamir expressed concerns that a full occupation of Gaza could place hostages at greater risk. Meanwhile, public opinion appears to lean towards negotiating peace with Hamas, especially to secure the hostages' release.
International reactions have been swift, with the UK, France, and Canada criticizing Israel's military expansion plans, while Germany has halted military exports to the country. The United Nations has convened to discuss the unfolding situation, amidst widespread calls for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza, where reports indicate an alarming rise in malnutrition-related fatalities.
As the conflict continues, the toll of the violence remains staggering. Reports from the Hamas-run health ministry indicate a devastating loss of life, with thousands believed to have perished since the start of Israel's military operations following the initial Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023.
"I want the war to end because our hostages are dying there; we need them all home now," stated a protester named Shakha. Many participants, including former soldiers, indicated their refusal to serve further in what they deemed a political conflict that endangers both hostages and innocent civilians.
In a poignant call for action, the mother of a hostage has urged for a general strike, a sentiment echoed by opposition leader Yair Lapid; however, the nation's leading labor union did not endorse the strike. Protests intensified over the weekend, with demonstrators blocking major highways and igniting bonfires, leading to arrests and confrontations with police.
Internal dissent within the Israeli military has heightened as army Chief of Staff Lt Gen Eyal Zamir expressed concerns that a full occupation of Gaza could place hostages at greater risk. Meanwhile, public opinion appears to lean towards negotiating peace with Hamas, especially to secure the hostages' release.
International reactions have been swift, with the UK, France, and Canada criticizing Israel's military expansion plans, while Germany has halted military exports to the country. The United Nations has convened to discuss the unfolding situation, amidst widespread calls for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza, where reports indicate an alarming rise in malnutrition-related fatalities.
As the conflict continues, the toll of the violence remains staggering. Reports from the Hamas-run health ministry indicate a devastating loss of life, with thousands believed to have perished since the start of Israel's military operations following the initial Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023.
