On Sunday, Israel witnessed one of its largest protests in recent history, with attendees urging the government to negotiate the release of approximately 20 hostages still captured by Hamas. Organizers have warned that the Israeli government's plans to take over Gaza City could jeopardize the safety of these hostages. As part of this movement, a nationwide strike disrupted daily life, impacting roads, workplaces, and universities.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke out against the protests, asserting that such actions could strengthen Hamas's resistance and hinder negotiations for the hostages’ freedom. Far-right Minister Bezalel Smotrich echoed his concerns, branding the demonstrations as detrimental and advantageous to Hamas.
Families of the hostages, specifically those participating in the Hostage and Missing Families Forum, spearheaded the national strike, emphasizing the need for an achievable agreement along with an end to hostilities. Einav Zangauker, a leading figure in the forum and mother of hostage Matan, passionately addressed the crowd, declaring, “We demand what is rightfully ours - our children,” criticizing the government's approach as one that has turned a justified conflict into a senseless war.
These protests intensified after last week's decision by Israel’s war cabinet to occupy Gaza City, resulting in widespread condemnation from the UN Security Council. Continuous Israeli airstrikes have prompted many residents, particularly from the already devastated southern Zeitoun neighborhood, to flee, leading to what local authorities labeled a "catastrophic" humanitarian crisis.
Reports indicated that at least 40 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes across Gaza on Saturday alone, as Hamas accused Israeli forces of sustaining aggressive offensives in Eastern and Southern Gaza. Despite these adversities, the Israeli military has announced plans to resume the provision of humanitarian tents to aid agencies, aiming to assist those displaced by the ongoing conflict.
While Israel has outlined intentions to forcibly relocate a million individuals from Gaza City to southern camps, the exact timing for such actions remains uncertain. According to the UN, approximately 90% of Gaza's 1.9 million populace has already been displaced amid critical shortages of food and resources, raising alarms over deteriorating conditions which could culminate in famine. The current hostilities were ignited by a Hamas assault on October 7, which resulted in significant casualties and the taking of hostages. Israel's military offensive has since claimed the lives of over 61,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza health ministry, which is regarded as a credible source by the UN.
