Tens of thousands of Israelis took to the streets in Tel Aviv and other cities on Saturday, demanding a ceasefire and a hostage deal ahead of the government’s planned military takeover of Gaza City. The protest, among the largest in months, came a day after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet approved the operation despite warnings from military officials that it could endanger the 50 remaining hostages, 20 of whom are believed to be alive.
Families of captives held rallies nationwide, with some urging a general strike to halt the plan. “Shut the country down,” said Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan is in captivity. Former hostage Sharon Aloni-Cunio told the Tel Aviv crowd, “If, God forbid, anything happens to my David or any other hostage, it’s on your hands.”
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum called the cabinet’s decision “a bright red flag” and accused the government of “sacrificing our loved ones.”
Netanyahu defiant amid international condemnation
Netanyahu has insisted the goal is not to occupy Gaza but to “free it from Hamas” before handing it to a “transitory Arab government.” However, the move has sparked widespread criticism. The Palestinian Authority condemned it as “a new crime,” while the foreign ministers of the UK, Germany, Italy, Australia and New Zealand warned it would worsen Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and risk the hostages’ lives.
More than 20 other nations, including Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, issued a joint statement calling the plan a “dangerous and unacceptable escalation.” Russia said it would aggravate the “already extremely dramatic situation” in Gaza. The UN Security Council is set to hold an emergency meeting on Sunday.
Rising civilian toll and aid shortages
Gaza’s health ministry says more than 61,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began in October 2023, following a Hamas attack on Israel that left 1,219 dead. On Saturday alone, local officials reported at least 37 more deaths, including 30 civilians waiting for aid.
Aid agencies warn the territory faces severe hunger, with 114 adults and 98 children reported to have died from malnutrition-related causes since the conflict began. Israel and its allies have increased airdrops of food, but aid groups say deliveries are insufficient and dangerous.
Meanwhile, ceasefire efforts appear to be reviving, with mediators from Egypt and Qatar working on a new proposal that would see all hostages released in exchange for ending the war and withdrawing Israeli forces.
Families of captives held rallies nationwide, with some urging a general strike to halt the plan. “Shut the country down,” said Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan is in captivity. Former hostage Sharon Aloni-Cunio told the Tel Aviv crowd, “If, God forbid, anything happens to my David or any other hostage, it’s on your hands.”
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum called the cabinet’s decision “a bright red flag” and accused the government of “sacrificing our loved ones.”
Netanyahu defiant amid international condemnation
Netanyahu has insisted the goal is not to occupy Gaza but to “free it from Hamas” before handing it to a “transitory Arab government.” However, the move has sparked widespread criticism. The Palestinian Authority condemned it as “a new crime,” while the foreign ministers of the UK, Germany, Italy, Australia and New Zealand warned it would worsen Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and risk the hostages’ lives.
More than 20 other nations, including Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, issued a joint statement calling the plan a “dangerous and unacceptable escalation.” Russia said it would aggravate the “already extremely dramatic situation” in Gaza. The UN Security Council is set to hold an emergency meeting on Sunday.
Rising civilian toll and aid shortages
Gaza’s health ministry says more than 61,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began in October 2023, following a Hamas attack on Israel that left 1,219 dead. On Saturday alone, local officials reported at least 37 more deaths, including 30 civilians waiting for aid.
Aid agencies warn the territory faces severe hunger, with 114 adults and 98 children reported to have died from malnutrition-related causes since the conflict began. Israel and its allies have increased airdrops of food, but aid groups say deliveries are insufficient and dangerous.
Meanwhile, ceasefire efforts appear to be reviving, with mediators from Egypt and Qatar working on a new proposal that would see all hostages released in exchange for ending the war and withdrawing Israeli forces.
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