Protesters took to the streets of Israel on Sunday, calling for an end to the war in Gaza and the release of hostages being held by Hamas militants. The demonstrations came as the Israeli military prepared for a new offensive in the Gaza Strip.
The protests came a week after Israel's security cabinet approved plans to seize Gaza City, ending 22 months of conflict that has worsened the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territory. The war began after Hamas attacked Israel in October 2023, during which about 250 people were taken hostage. Currently, according to the Israeli military, 49 hostages remain in Gaza, including 27 dead.
Protest organizers and representatives of hostage families called for a general strike, closing many businesses in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Meanwhile, Egypt announced that mediators are trying to reach a 60-day ceasefire that includes the release of hostages, after the latest round of talks in Qatar failed to yield results.
Some government officials, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, have criticized the protests, describing them as a "harmful campaign that benefits Hamas."
Sunday's protest marks a moment of high tension in the country, as citizens demand a peaceful solution and safety for the hostages.
