In one of the largest anti-government demonstrations since the Gaza conflict began nearly 11 months ago, tens of thousands of Israelis took to the streets on Sunday night, calling for a ceasefire deal with Hamas and an end to the ongoing crisis. The protests were ignited by the discovery of the bodies of six hostages, who had been held captive in Gaza by Hamas militants.
Massive Demonstrations and Scuffles with Security Forces
Protesters gathered in significant numbers across major cities, including Tel Aviv and West Jerusalem, blocking roads and chanting "Now! Now!" to demand that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reach a ceasefire agreement to secure the release of the remaining captives. Demonstrators, many draped in Israeli flags, broke through police lines, setting fires on roads and scaling buses to display signs accusing Netanyahu of failing to secure the hostage's return.
The protests, which saw colide with security forces, were among the largest in Israel since the start of the conflict. Protesters condemned Netanyahu’s government for not reaching a deal with Hamas, which they claim could have saved the six hostages.
Calls for Nationwide Strike to Pressure Government
Adding to the pressure, Israel's largest labor union, Histadrut, called for a nationwide strike on Monday to push for a ceasefire agreement. The strike is expected to shut down major sectors of Israel's economy, including Ben Gurion Airport, banking, and healthcare services. "We must reach a deal. A deal is more important than anything else", said Histadrut chief Arnon Bar-David, emphasizing the growing public outrage over the government's handling of the situation.
The strike has garnered widespread support from various sectors, including high-tech manufacturers and local authorities in Tel Aviv. However, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has opposed the strike, calling it an attempt to improperly influence government policy.
Anger Over Hostage Deaths and Government Inaction
The anger reached a boiling point after the bodies of six hostages were found in a tunnel in Gaza's Rafah area. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which represents the families of captives, blamed the deaths on Netanyahu’s failure to secure a ceasefire. "They were all murdered after nearly 11 months of abuse, torture, and starvation in Hamas captivity", the forum stated, urging Israelis to increase pressure on the government.
Gil Dickmann, a cousin of one of the deceased hostages, Carmel Gat, urged fellow citizens to shut down the country until the remaining hostages are returned. "Take to the streets; they can still be saved", Dickmann posted on social media platform X.
Political Tensions Heighten Amid Ceasefire Demands
Political tensions have escalated with the opposition leader and former Prime Minister Yair Lapid expressing support for the strike. He criticized the government’s delay in negotiating a ceasefire and the release of the hostages. Meanwhile, Finance Minister Smotrich has asked the Attorney General to block the strike, arguing it has no legal basis and poses economic risks during wartime.
Israel's military has acknowledged the difficulty in rescuing the remaining captives and suggested that only a negotiated deal could ensure their return. The army's announcement has further fueled public anger and intensified calls for immediate action.
Widespread Support and Diverse Participation in Protests
The protests saw participation from a wide range of Israeli society, with some families of hostages leading the demonstrations. "We don’t have time anymore", said Eli Shtivi, whose son is still held hostage in Gaza. "All families are hostages too", he added, highlighting the collective suffering of those affected by the crisis.
Several demonstrators carried yellow ribbons as symbols of solidarity with the hostages and held banners blaming Netanyahu for their plight. “We want them back alive”, they chanted. The protests were also marked by the symbolic carrying of coffins representing the deceased hostages, further intensifying the emotional atmosphere.
Uncertain Future as Pressure Mounts on Government
As the general strike looms, Israel faces an uncertain future with increased domestic and international pressure to secure a ceasefire deal. The deaths of the six hostages have spotlighted the government's inability to reach an agreement with Hamas, deepening public distrust and unrest.
Prime Minister Netanyahu, defending his government's stance, reiterated his commitment to securing the captives' release while safeguarding Israel’s security. However, the growing demonstrations and calls for a ceasefire suggest that public patience is wearing thin. Recently, Biden also urge Netanyahu for ceasefire.
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With the situation escalating, Israel's government faces a crucial test of leadership. The mounting protests and strike actions indicate a critical juncture where public sentiment demands swift and decisive action to bring an end to the hostilities and secure the safe return of all captives. The coming days will be crucial in determining the future course of Israel’s response to this ongoing crisis.
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