Israelis Demonstrate Across the Country, Demanding Cessation of Gaza Conflict and Hostage Resolution
In the tense and unresolved hostage situation between Israel and Hamas, protests have erupted across Israel, demanding an immediate resolution and an end to the two-year-long war.
The demonstrations, which took place on Sunday, were led by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum campaign group, who called for a general strike and aimed to "shut down the country" in a bid to bring back the 50 hostages still held by militants in Gaza.
The protests were sparked by the ongoing ceasefire negotiations, which have repeatedly stalled. Mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. have attempted to broker deals, including a Hamas acceptance of a ceasefire proposal involving staged hostage releases over 60 days in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. However, Israel has been slow to respond or accept these terms.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich decried the demonstrations as a "perverse and harmful campaign" that plays into the hands of Hamas and called for "surrender". Culture Minister Miki Zohar, of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party, stated that blocking roads and disrupting daily life was "a reward to the enemy".
Opposition leader Benny Gantz, however, condemned the government for attacking the families of the hostages while bearing responsibility for their captivity by Hamas for nearly two years.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has severely deteriorated due to ongoing Israeli military operations, including airstrikes, a siege of Gaza City, and destruction of infrastructure. Aid deliveries face major access restrictions, and hospitals are overwhelmed.
Tens of thousands of reserve soldiers would be called up for the mission to seize Gaza City, according to a report. The Israeli military is reportedly planning to expand the war into Gaza City and nearby refugee camps, which has sparked an international outcry and domestic opposition.
The war was triggered by a Palestinian militant group, Hamas, attacking Israel in October 2023, resulting in the capture of 251 people. As of late November 2023, 49 captives remain in Gaza, including 27 whom Israel's military says have died.
The situation remains a critical and volatile deadlock where negotiations for ceasefire and hostages are ongoing but without a definitive breakthrough as of late 2023 and early 2024. UN-backed experts have warned of widespread famine unfolding in Gaza, where Israel has drastically curtailed the amount of humanitarian aid it allows in.
In the midst of this turmoil, Viki Cohen, a hostage's mother, expressed hope that her son would see the pause in life by Israelis for him and the hostages. Israeli fire on Sunday reportedly killed at least seven Palestinians waiting to collect food aid near two sites in Gaza. Israeli police increased forces and announced the arrest of 32 protesters, stating they would not tolerate any "public order disturbances".
Egypt is reportedly leading a renewed push to secure a 60-day truce that would include hostage release, following the end of the last round of talks in Qatar without a breakthrough. Military chief Eyal Zamir is due to review the plans to conquer Gaza City in a meeting later in the day, according to Israeli Army Radio.
As the crisis continues, the international community and humanitarian organisations urge both sides to find a peaceful resolution and prioritise the wellbeing of civilians caught in the crossfire.
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