Thousands of Israelis participated in a nationwide strike and protests aimed at urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to negotiate with Hamas for the release of hostages held in Gaza. Demonstrators gathered across the country, waving Israeli flags and displaying photographs of the captives. The protests were marked by the sound of whistles, horns, and drums, while many participants blocked major roads, including the critical route connecting Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
Anat Angrest, mother of hostage Matan Angrest, addressed the crowd in Tel Aviv, stating, “Today, everything stops to remember the highest value: the sanctity of life.” The strike, supported by some businesses and institutions, saw a mixed response, with several establishments closing their doors while others remained open on a regular working day.
A significant rally was planned for the evening in Tel Aviv, where opposition leader Yair Lapid showed his solidarity with the protesters. He emphasized the importance of the public’s spirit, tweeting, “The only thing that strengthens the country is the wonderful spirit of the people who are going out from home today for Israeli solidarity.”
In contrast, Netanyahu addressed his cabinet, criticizing those who advocate for an end to the war without neutralizing Hamas, claiming that such calls only serve to fortify Hamas’ position and delay the release of hostages. He stated that his government is committed to executing a military strategy to seize Gaza City, one of the last significant areas not under Israeli control. This plan has faced backlash from both the public and families of hostages, who express concern that an escalated military operation could endanger their loved ones.
Currently, there are approximately 50 hostages believed to be held by Hamas in Gaza, with Israeli officials estimating that around 20 of them are still alive. Following the attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which initiated the ongoing conflict, many hostages who have been freed were released through diplomatic negotiations. However, efforts to establish a ceasefire and secure the release of additional hostages collapsed in July.
Hamas has declared that it will only release the remaining hostages if Israel agrees to halt its military operations, while Netanyahu remains resolute in his stance that Hamas must be dismantled. The Israeli government has faced intense criticism, both domestically and internationally, particularly from European allies, regarding the announcement of a military takeover of Gaza City.
According to local health officials, the ongoing military campaign in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of over 61,000 Palestinians, with at least 29 fatalities reported in the past day alone. The conflict has also claimed the lives of around 1,200 people in Israel, with 251 individuals taken into Gaza during the initial Hamas attack. Since the beginning of the conflict, more than 400 Israeli soldiers have lost their lives in operations within Gaza.
The situation remains fluid, with protests expected to continue as families of hostages press for action and a resolution to the ongoing conflict.
