Protesters across Israel took to the streets on Tuesday as part of a nationwide “day of struggle” demonstrations, calling for an immediate cease-fire to end the ongoing conflict with Hamas and the release of all remaining hostages in Gaza.
Thousands gathered outside the headquarters of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, while others staged road-block demonstrations and marched through central Tel Aviv. Holocaust survivors addressed the crowds at Hostages Square, reiterating calls for the release of those held captive in Gaza.
The protests come as the Israeli government is facing mounting global pressure over its military operations in Gaza City. A UN-backed report has confirmed famine in Gaza for the first time, and world leaders, including US President Donald Trump, have condemned Israeli strikes on a hospital that killed at least 20 people, including five journalists and medical workers.
The conflict began after Hamas launched a terror attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, killing over 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostages. So far, 140 have been released, eight have been rescued, and the bodies of 57 who died in captivity or during rescue attempts have been recovered.
The Israeli government has not yet responded to a cease-fire proposal accepted by Hamas last week, despite reports that Netanyahu will not be raising the topic at a security cabinet meeting on Tuesday evening. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Qatar claims that Israel has not replied to the proposal.
As tensions continue to escalate, the international community is calling for restraint and protection of civilians. The International Committee for the Red Cross (ICRC) has described the strikes as “unacceptable” and urged that medical facilities, civilians, journalists, and first responders be protected.
Source: https://time.com/7312330/israel-protests-gaza-hamas-war-ceasefire-hostages-return