On Sunday, protesters took to the streets across Israel, demanding an end to the ongoing war and a deal for the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip. This comes as Israel prepares for a new military operation aimed at gaining control over Gaza City.
The demonstrations followed the Israeli Security Cabinet’s approval of plans to take control of Gaza City and refugee camps amid a devastating conflict and a blockade that has lasted for 22 months.
In Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square, which has become a symbol of the protests during the war, a massive Israeli flag was raised on Saturday evening, along with portraits of hostages held in Gaza.
Protesters blocked major roads in the city, including the highway linking Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, setting tires on fire and causing traffic jams, according to local media.
The protestors, along with a coalition of families of the hostages and detainees, called for a nationwide strike throughout Israel.
Doron Wilfand, 54, expressed his thoughts during a demonstration in Jerusalem, stating, “I believe the time has come to end the war, to free the hostages, and to help Israel recover and achieve a more stable Middle East.”
These protests are facing opposition from far-right elements in Israel, particularly from ministers in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, which is perceived as the most right-wing in the history of Israel.
On Sunday morning, far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich criticized the protests, stating, “The people of Israel wake up to a distorted and harmful campaign that serves the interests of Hamas, which hides hostages in tunnels and seeks to push Israel into surrendering to its enemies, jeopardizing its security and future.”
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir deemed the call for a strike a failure. He remarked on Telegram that the strike “strengthens Hamas” and diminishes the possibility of the hostages’ return.
In contrast, opposition leader Yair Lapid rejected the accusations from the ministers, questioning their shame, stating, “No one has done more to promote Hamas’s existence than you.” He argued that “the only thing that will weaken Hamas is the overthrow of this corrupt and ineffective government.”
Israel’s decision to expand its military operations has faced international condemnation and domestic dissent.
UN experts have warned about the emerging hunger crisis in the region, as Israel continues to allow only slow and limited entry of humanitarian aid.