Tensions are rising in Israel as thousands rally against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plan to intensify military actions in Gaza. This mobilization comes after the Israeli security cabinet approved five principles aimed at concluding the ongoing conflict, including "taking security control" over the Gaza Strip with indications that the military intends to move into Gaza City.
Protesters, many of whom are family members of hostages currently held in Gaza, express acute concern that this military escalation may jeopardize the lives of their loved ones. Among the 50 hostages, 20 are believed to still be alive, and activists fear for their safety as military operations escalate. One protester, identified as Shakha, shared their anguish in Jerusalem, stating, “We want the war to end because our hostages are dying there, and we need them all to be home now.”
Joining the protests are former soldiers, like Max Kresch, who have now refused to serve, asserting that the directive to expand military operations risks innocent lives. Many in the streets believe that prioritizing the war over hostage negotiations contradicts the government’s stated intentions regarding the release of these captives. A group advocating for the hostages condemned the escalation of violence, urging citizens and soldiers alike not to support actions that further endanger both hostages and the Gaza population.
Calls for broader actions, including a general strike, are gaining traction. While the main opposition leader, Yair Lapid, supports such a movement, key labor organizations have withheld their backing, complicating the situation further. Recently, large demonstrations have resulted in road blockages in Tel Aviv, where some participants lit bonfires, highlighting the urgency of their demands.
Netanyahu, defending the military strategy, insists it aims to secure the hostages’ release while disarming Hamas to protect Israel from future threats. He has claimed that any occupation of Gaza would eventually transition to an alternative civil administration, distancing the administration from both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority.
International response has been significant, with various governments condemning the expansion of military action. Germany has suspended arms exports to Israel, while the United Nations has called for increased humanitarian aid access to Gazans, highlighting that starvation risks are rising due to the ongoing conflict. A report indicated that over 200 people have succumbed to malnutrition in Gaza in recent days.
As the UN Security Council prepares to discuss the developments, the situation remains dire, with both military actions and humanitarian needs continuing to escalate in tandem. Since the outbreak of violence following Hamas-led attacks on October 7, casualties in Gaza have surged, creating an increasingly precarious environment for all involved.
