Thousands protest against Netanyahu’s Gaza war expansion plan, fearing the safety of hostages. Amid growing dissent, calls for a ceasefire and negotiation are mounting, as criticism from military leaders and international communities intensifies.
Protesters Amplify Opposition to Netanyahu's Gaza Expansion Plan
Protesters Amplify Opposition to Netanyahu's Gaza Expansion Plan
Mass demonstrations erupt in Israel as activists voice concerns over hostages and military strategy.
Thousands of demonstrators have surged onto the streets of Israel to express their dissent against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's controversial proposal to escalate military operations in Gaza. This mobilization comes after Israel’s security cabinet accredited a strategic plan that includes asserting 'security control' over the Gaza Strip, prompting the Israeli military to announce preparations for advancing into Gaza City.
Among the protesters are families of hostages, with 20 thought to still be alive, who expressed that Netanyahu’s escalation may jeopardize their loved ones’ safety and have demanded an immediate focus on securing their release. A spokesperson from a group representing these families stated on social media platform X: "Expanding the fighting endangers the hostages and the soldiers - the people of Israel are not willing to risk them!"
During a protest in Jerusalem on Saturday, a demonstrator named Shakha articulated the urgency of the situation, stating: "We want the war to end because our hostages are dying there, and we need them all to be home now." He expressed a willingness to stop the war if it would facilitate their release.
Additionally, former soldiers joined the protests, with Max Kresch declaring his refusal to continue serving. Kresch noted, "We're over 350 soldiers who served during the war and we're refusing to continue to serve in Netanyahu's political war that endangers the hostages and starving innocent Palestinians in Gaza."
A rally in Tel Aviv near the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) headquarters also saw families of hostages urging other soldiers to reject orders for the expanded operation. In response to the growing calls for a general strike initiated by a mother of a hostage, the primary labor union has withdrawn its support.
Netanyahu faces internal dissent, including strong opposition from Lt Gen Eyal Zamir, Israel’s Chief of Staff. Reports indicate he cautioned Netanyahu that a full occupation of Gaza would be detrimental and dangerous for the hostages who remain alive.
Public sentiment appears to lean towards negotiating a deal with Hamas to secure the hostages' release while ceasing hostilities. In a recent interview with Fox News, Netanyahu claimed the objective was not to occupy Gaza but to liberate it from Hamas control while safeguarding Israel's long-term security.
The security cabinet has laid down five foundational principles aimed at concluding the war: disarming Hamas, ensuring the return of all hostages, demilitarizing Gaza, establishing security oversight, and instituting a civil administration that avoids both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority.
The situation remains precarious, with the United Nations cautioning that a full military occupation of Gaza City could lead to "catastrophic consequences" for civilians. As international responses grow, including condemnation from the UK, France, and Canada, the UN Security Council has scheduled a meeting to deliberate on Israel's plans.
Since the onset of military activities following Hamas's initial attacks on October 7, which claimed around 1,200 lives and captured 251 hostages, reports indicate that over 61,300 casualties have been recorded in Gaza due to Israeli operations, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
