Hundreds of thousands take to streets in Israel, demand end to Gaza War and release of hostages
&imwidth=600&imheight=450&format=webp&quality=medium "Hundreds of thousands take to streets in Israel, demand end to Gaza War and release of hostages")
Protest in Israel on Sunday. Photograph: (X)
The protest by the Israelis followed after Israeli forces heightened their offensive in Gaza City, pushing tens of thousands of starving Palestinians to flee once again.
Thousands of protesters demonstrated in Israel on Sunday, demanding an immediate end to the war in Gaza and urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reach an agreement with Hamas to end the war and secure the release of captives held in the blockaded territory. The protests come after Israeli forces escalated their offensive in Gaza City, pushing tens of thousands of starving Palestinians to flee once again.
According to a report in Al Jazeera, police arrested dozens of protesters and used water cannons against those who gathered on Sunday for the nationwide demonstration. Meanwhile, organisers said that nearly half a million people rallied in Tel Aviv by nightfall – marking one of the largest and most intense ever since the conflict began almost two years ago.
This nationwide strike prompted schools, businesses and public transport to standstill as rallies were held in several cities as part of a coordinated day of action, led by groups representing families of hostages and bereaved relatives.
We don’t win wars over hostages’ bodies: Protester
As per the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, dozens of Israeli artists, celebrities, and athletes raised support and joined the strike. In addition, major unions, including lawyers, doctors, and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, as well as the business forum, also confirmed their role during the protest.
Protesters are scared that only about 20 of the 50 captives in Gaza are believed to be alive. “We don’t win a war over the bodies of hostages," a protester said. “Military pressure doesn’t bring hostages back – it only kills them,” former captive Arbel Yehoud stated while protesting in Tel Aviv’s “Hostage Square”. “The only way to bring them back is through a deal, all at once, without games," Arbel Yehoud added.
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The protest on Sunday followed just days after the security cabinet of Israel approved advancing on Gaza City, nearly two years into a genocidal war that has devastated the Gaza Strip. The conflict left several people on the brink of famine, resulting in Israel becoming internationally isolated.
