Thousands of demonstrators flooded the streets across Israel to voice their opposition against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's controversial plan to expand military operations in the Gaza Strip. This surge of protests reflects growing dissatisfaction with the government's approach, especially after Netanyahu's announcement that the Israeli military would seize Gaza City as part of its escalating offensive.
The planned military escalation has drawn sharp criticism both domestically and internationally. Netanyahu's government is poised to receive full Cabinet approval for the operation as early as this Sunday. Among the demonstrators were families of hostages, who are increasingly anxious about the fate of the 50 captives still held by the militant group Hamas. Reports indicate that approximately 20 of these hostages are believed to be alive, heightening the urgency of the situation.
In Tel Aviv, over 100,000 protesters gathered, demanding an immediate cessation of military actions and the safe release of hostages. According to the Guardian, which cited organizers of the event, the scale of the protests underscores significant public opposition to the ongoing military campaign. Netanyahu has argued that the expanded operations are essential for freeing hostages, despite the fact that most hostages released thus far have been the result of diplomatic negotiations.
Internationally, the response to Israel's military strategy has been overwhelmingly negative. A joint statement issued by nine countries, including Germany, Britain, and France, condemned Israel’s decision to escalate military actions, warning that it would exacerbate the already dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The governments expressed concern that such measures could endanger hostages and lead to mass displacement, also noting that any annexation or settlement in Gaza would violate international law.
In a separate statement, more than 20 countries, including key ceasefire mediators Egypt and Qatar, as well as Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates, labeled Israel's military operation as a “dangerous and unacceptable escalation.” The Russian government also expressed its concern, stating that Israel's plans would worsen the “already extremely dramatic situation” in Gaza.
Amid the escalating tensions, Germany announced the suspension of arms exports to Israel that could potentially be used in Gaza. Chancellor Friedrich Merz sharply criticized the humanitarian implications of the planned offensive, highlighting the need for a more peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.
The protests in Israel and the growing international backlash against the government's military strategy signal a critical juncture in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. As families await news of their loved ones, the call for peace and dialogue has never been more urgent.
