Nationwide protests in Israel - demonstrators demand hostage agreement
Fluttering demonstrators blocked traffic at an intersection in Tel Aviv, demanding new elections and more efforts towards the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Previously, clashes had already occurred between demonstrators and police during the takeover of a street, with security forces using water cannons.
The police strengthened security measures around the residence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem ahead of a demonstration announced for Sunday.
Relatives of the hostages expressed hope after the latest negotiations for a ceasefire and release of hostages between Israel and the radical Islamic Hamas. "For the first time, we feel that the return of our relatives has come closer than ever before," said Sarar Mor, a relative of a hostage, at a demonstration on Saturday. "This is a chance we cannot miss."
The unprecedented attack by Hamas fighters and other militant Palestinian groups on Israel on October 7 led to the outbreak of the Gaza War. According to Israeli reports, 1195 people were killed and 251 were taken hostage in the Gaza Strip. 116 of them, according to the Israeli army, are still in Hamas's custody, 42 of whom have already been reported dead.
In response to the attack, Israel has been conducting massive military operations in the Gaza Strip since then. According to the health ministry of the Hamas-controlled government (unverifiable figures), which were announced on Sunday, over 38,150 people have been killed in these operations so far.
- Despite the ongoing tension, a nationwide call for peace protests was scheduled in various cities across Israel, including Tel Aviv, on Sunday.
- The hostage situation in the Gaza Strip continues to be a contentious issue, leading to repeated protests and clashes between demonstrators and police in Tel Aviv.
- The international community has been urging both Israel and Hamas to reach a hostage agreement, citing the urgent need for the safe release of the remaining hostages.
- Amidst the escalating tensions, the Israeli police have been maintaining a high alert in cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, preparing for potential protests and violent clashes.
- The upcoming protests in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem are expected to be particularly fierce, as demonstrators demand tangible action from the Israeli government regarding the hostage situation and the conflicts in the Gaza Strip.
- Regardless of the continued hostilities and the ongoing hostage crisis, Hamas and other militant groups in the Gaza Strip have vowed to continue their protests against Israeli military operations in the region.
