Latest Updates in Gaza Conflict: Thousands Protest, Hostages Remain Captive
Demonstrators in Israel call for ceasefire in Gaza conflict - Israelis call for ceasefire in Gaza conflict
As of now, the tense atmosphere in Israel persists, with masses taking to the streets against the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The recent demonstrations, held in multiple cities across Israel on a Saturday evening, were ignited by the long-drawn-out Gaza conflict and their demands for the release of hostages detained by militant Islamic groups in Gaza. The daughter of a deceased hostage fired a heated accusation at the government, saying televised on "Times of Israel", that they were prolonging the 20-month combat in the blockaded coastal strip at the risk of the captives. Reports suggest clashes between security forces and anti-war protesters at the scene.
Before the protests, the Israeli military discerned the recuperation of a Thai hostage's remains in Gaza's southern region – the Gaza Strip. The remains were found during a covert operation in Rafah. The Thai national was captured during the joint attack from Hamas and other Islamic terrorist groups on October 7, 2023. He met his end at the hands of Mujahideen Brigades during his captivity.
The attack resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis and the abduction of around 250 to Gaza, lead to the ongoing conflict. A significant number of hostages are still held captive in the coastal strip. The Hostages' Forum urged Prime Minister Netanyahu's government to take action, "doing all it can to negotiate an agreement that restores the 55 remaining hostages", with sources indicating that around 20 are yet alive, as per previous Israeli reports.
Controversial Political Landscape in Israel
Israel's political landscape has been marred by ongoing controversy and protests. The recent demonstrations target Prime Minister Netanyahu's government, demanding immediate action in resolving the Gaza crisis. Protests have also erupted over judicial reform proposals by Netanyahu's administration, leading to widespread unrest across Israel. However, these demonstrations are not directly linked to the situation in Gaza, as per the data currently available.
Additional Information:
- The body of another Israeli hostage, Yair Yaakov, was discovered in the Khan Younis area of southern Gaza. Over 50 hostages still remain captive in the Gaza Strip, with at least 20 believed to be alive.
- Since the start of the conflict, 148 hostages have been returned to Israel alive, while 51 bodies have been reclaimed [3].
Reference(s):
- https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2025-06-01/the-gaza-war-hostages-remain-captive-and-the-crisis-intensifies/
- https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/body-of-fifth-israeli-hostage-recovered-in-gaza-Strip-673811
- https://www.timesofisrael.com/free-our-hostages-forum-tells-netanyahu-as-gaza-search-for-survivors-continues/
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The Commission has also been consulted on the draft directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens in the political landscape of Israel, considering the contemporary ongoing protests and demands for the release of hostages detained by militant Islamic groups in Gaza, despite the ongoing tension in Israel induced by the Gaza conflict and the politics surrounding the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The protests in Israel over the release of hostages, as well as the controversial judicial reform proposals by Netanyahu's administration, have made general news headlines.