Thousands of demonstrators flooded the streets of Israel on Sunday, demanding an end to the ongoing war in Gaza and urging the government to negotiate a deal for the release of hostages held by Hamas.
As Israeli military operations intensified in Gaza City, many protestors expressed concern about the plight of the 50 hostages believed to be in Gaza, with fears that further military action could jeopardize their safety.
In Tel Aviv, more than 300,000 people reportedly gathered for one of the largest protests seen since last September when six captives were found dead in Gaza.
The protests led to significant disruptions across the country, with schools, businesses, and public transport coming to a halt as part of a national day of action organized by groups representing families of hostages and bereaved families.
Major unions and institutions, including those of lawyers and doctors, alongside educational institutions like the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, announced their solidarity with the protests.
Even the arts community joined the efforts, with numerous Israeli artists, celebrities, and athletes voicing their support for the demonstrations.
Chanting slogans such as, “We don’t win a war over the bodies of hostages,” the demonstrators called for a peaceful resolution to the hostage situation.
Former hostage Arbel Yehoud spoke at the event, emphasizing the need for a negotiable deal instead of continued military pressure, stating, “Military pressure doesn’t bring hostages back – it only kills them.”
The protests unfolded just days after Israel’s security cabinet greenlit plans to launch an assault on Gaza City, marking nearly two years into a war that has devastated the region.
With significant portions of the Gaza Strip facing famine, many international observers have criticized Israel’s actions, calling for greater humanitarian concern.
Demonstrators in Tel Aviv unveiled a massive Israeli flag adorned with the faces of captives, blocking major transportation routes and igniting tyres in displays of solidarity.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which advocates for the captives’ families, declared a general strike, demanding the immediate retrieval of hostages and an end to military operations.
“If we don’t bring them back now, we will lose them forever,” the group warned in a statement amid escalating tensions.
Ofir Penso, a 50-year-old protester, shared his anxiety over the hostages’ fate, stating, “This is probably the last minute we have to save the hostages.”
Demonstrators conveyed a clear message to the government: the hostages are not merely pawns in a military strategy but citizens deserving of return to their families.
Several prominent Israeli figures attended the protests, including opposition leader Yair Lapid, who called for the country to unite for the hostages’ sake.
He affirmed his support for a peaceful resolution to the conflict as well, stating, “They are citizens that the government must return to their families.”
Former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the necessity of retrieving hostages before continuing military operations against Hamas.
Highlighting the plight of the hostages, a poignant appeal was made by the aunt of Alon Ohel, a hostage reported to be in grave condition.
She described his suffering, saying, “He is bound in chains, severely wounded, and likely to lose his sight.”
With the protests capturing nationwide attention, universities and the business sector contributed to the disruption, with many businesses closing their doors in solidarity.
Doron Wilfand, a tour guide, voiced a collective yearning for peace, stating, “It’s time to end the war. It’s time to release all of the hostages.”
As protests grew, Alon Pinkas, a former Israeli diplomat, assessed that while the turnout may have seemed limited, many were still affected by the action across the nation.
“The number of people is pretty small,” he noted, “but it is palpable, it’s tangible, you can feel it in the air.”
In terms of governmental response, President Isaac Herzog supported the calls for the captives’ return but focused on urging international pressure on Hamas rather than advocating for a ceasefire.
Despite this, far-right government officials condemned the protests, viewing them as detrimental to their efforts against Hamas.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich criticized the protests, claiming they played into Hamas’ strategy, while Culture Minister Miki Zohar labelled road blockages as counterproductive.
On social media, opposition figures including Benny Gantz condemned the government for perceived neglect towards the hostages’ families, asserting that responsibility lay with the administration for the ongoing hostage crisis.
In anticipation of potential unrest, police significantly increased their presence at protests, warning against any disruption of public order.
Demonstrations also took place in areas significantly impacted by violence, highlighting the profound effects of the ongoing conflict.
Despite the turmoil, demonstrators remained resolute in their message, with significant calls for peace in a very polarizing climate.
As the conflict in Gaza continues, the protests reflect a crossroads within Israeli society, where voices advocating for humanitarian concern seek to reach both government and public consciousness amid an atmosphere of strife and division.
With the number of Palestinian casualties rising significantly, international groups have raised alarms about the humanitarian implications of the ongoing war, leading to increased scrutiny of Israel’s military strategy and overall approach to the crisis.
The protests represent a pivotal moment, showcasing the urgent necessity for dialogue and resolution that honors the dignity of all involved and seeks to alleviate the human suffering inherent in the ongoing conflict.
image source from：aljazeera
