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Large-scale demonstrations have taken place in Israel, with hundreds of thousands calling for an end to the conflict in Gaza and a deal to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas.
The largest gathering was observed in Tel Aviv’s “Hostages Square” on Sunday. Organizers stated that the government’s plans to seize control of Gaza City risked the lives of approximately 20 hostages still held captive by Hamas.
A one-day national strike, part of broader protest actions, resulted in the closure of roads, offices, and universities in certain areas. Authorities reported nearly 40 arrests throughout the day.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has criticized the demonstrations, arguing that they could “harden Hamas’s stance” and potentially delay the release of the hostages.
Far-right Israeli minister Bezalel Smotrich also condemned the protests, characterizing them as a “harmful campaign that plays into the hands of Hamas.”
The national strike was initiated at the behest of families of hostages and others who oppose the expansion of the ongoing war.
Einav Zangauker, the mother of hostage Matan and a prominent figure in the Hostage and Missing Families Forum, stated that the group demands “a comprehensive and achievable agreement and an end to the war.”
“We demand what is rightfully ours – our children,” she told the crowd in Tel Aviv. “The Israeli government has transformed a just war into a pointless war.”
Her remarks followed the release of a video featuring her son.
“My heart burns with longing. My whole heart is scorched because of my Matan. Matan, I, an entire nation, we are doing everything we can for you, for all the hostages,” she said.
These protests occurred a week after Israel’s war cabinet voted in favor of occupying Gaza City, the territory’s largest urban center, and displacing its population—a decision that was met with condemnation by the UN Security Council.
According to the Hamas-run municipality, thousands of residents have since fled Gaza City’s southern Zeitoun neighborhood, where days of continuous Israeli bombardment have created a “catastrophic” situation.
Gaza’s civil defense agency reports that at least 40 individuals were killed by Israeli attacks across the territory on Saturday.
Hamas issued a statement indicating that Israeli forces had been conducting a “sustained offensive in the eastern and southern neighborhoods of Gaza City, particularly in Zeitoun.”
The Israeli military has announced that it would resume allowing aid agencies to bring tents into Gaza.
“As part of the preparations to move the population from combat zones to the southern Gaza Strip for their protection, the supply of tents and shelter equipment to Gaza will resume,” the Israeli military body Cogat said.
Israel reportedly plans to forcibly displace one million people from Gaza City to camps in the south, although a precise timetable for its forces’ entry into Gaza City has not been provided.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly seeks to place the entire city under Israeli occupation, dating back to October 7.
According to UN figures, at least 1.9 million people in Gaza – approximately 90% of the population – have already been displaced.
The international body has indicated widespread malnutrition in Gaza. Experts supported by the organization warned last month in a report that the “worst-case scenario” of famine is playing out in the Strip.
The war in Gaza was precipitated by Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities and the abduction of 251 individuals.
According to figures from the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry, which the UN considers reliable, Israel’s offensive has resulted in the deaths of more than 61,000 Palestinians.
Israeli bombardment has created a “catastrophic” situation in the city’s Zeitoun neighbourhood, the city’s Hamas-run authority says.
The State Department announcement came after a right-wing activist criticised the programme.
BBC Verify finds 10 occasions where aid was dropped into an area Israel has warned people not to enter, saying it would put their lives at risk.
Unicef has estimated that 50,000 children have been killed or injured since the conflict in Gaza began two years ago.
More than a dozen people with signs supporting the proscribed group are held at a Norwich protest.
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