Thousands of demonstrators flocked to streets across Israel, expressing their dissent against the government’s strategy to escalate military actions in Gaza. This came after Israel's security cabinet endorsed five critical measures aimed at solidifying control over the Gaza Strip, which would include preparations for taking over Gaza City, as claimed by the Israeli military.
Many participants in these protests included relatives of the 50 hostages thought to be held in Gaza, half of whom are reported to be alive. These families voiced concerns that Netanyahu's controversial plans could further jeopardize the safety of their loved ones, demanding the government prioritize their release and wellbeing. Netanyahu, however, defended the military plan, asserting that it would assist in rescuing the hostages.
A group representing the hostages' families recently voiced their apprehension on social media platform X, stating, "The escalation of fighting endangers both the hostages and the soldiers—Israeli citizens are unwilling to risk their lives!" Protester Shakha, rallying in Jerusalem, emphasized her desperate plea for an end to the conflict, insisting that the hostages' lives were at stake.
Amid the protests was a former combat soldier, Max Kresch, who voiced his refusal to continue serving in the military, denouncing the war as a political maneuver that could lead to catastrophic outcomes for both troops and civilians in Gaza. Reports highlight a growing movement among other soldiers to also refuse orders, particularly at protests outside the IDF headquarters in Tel Aviv.
As sentiments rise, one of the mothers of a hostage has called for a national strike; however, the main labor union has not expressed support for this initiative. Opposition to Netanyahu's plans has also emerged from Lt Gen Eyal Zamir, the Chief of Staff of the Israeli army, who reportedly cautioned the Prime Minister about the dangers of a full-scale occupation of Gaza.
Poll results indicate a significant portion of the Israeli populace favors an agreement with Hamas to secure hostages' release and bring an end to ongoing hostilities. Netanyahu, who spoke earlier on Fox News, communicated that the intent was not occupation but liberation of Gaza from Hamas influence.
The announced strategy includes five principles aimed at concluding the conflict: dismantling Hamas, securing the return of hostages, de-militarizing the Gaza Strip, establishing security control over the area, and creating alternate civil governance that does not fall under Hamas or the Palestinian Authority.
The United Nations has issued warnings that a total military takeover of Gaza City could lead to dire humanitarian consequences for both Palestinian civilians and the hostages. With approximately one million Palestinians residing in Gaza City, which was the most densely populated area before the current conflict, international responses to Israel's strategies are increasingly critical. Countries including the UK, France, and Canada have condemned the plans, while Germany suspended military exports to Israel in light of the situation. The United Nations Security Council is set to convene for discussions regarding the developments on Sunday.
The backdrop of the escalated military operations in Gaza comes after Hamas-led assaults on Israel on October 7, 2023, responsible for the deaths of roughly 1,200 individuals and the subsequent hostage crisis that has enveloped both nations. Costly tolls from Israeli actions have soared, with over 61,300 fatalities reported in Gaza according to the Hamas-aligned health ministry.
