Nationwide protests in Israel call for Netanyahu’s resignation over Gaza conflict

Thousands of Israelis protest across major cities, demanding Prime Minister Netanyahu’s resignation over the handling of the Gaza hostage crisis

Thousands of Israelis took to the streets in major cities Saturday, uniting in a call for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s resignation.

This widespread unrest has been fueled by the ongoing Gaza hostage crisis and the government’s response to the war, marking a significant escalation in domestic pressure against Netanyahu’s leadership.

The Tel Aviv streets stood at a standstill as protesters blocked the city’s ring road.

The demonstrators vocalized their demands and called for early elections and the release of the hostages in Gaza.

Concurrently, hundreds gathered around Netanyahu’s private residence in Jerusalem, expressing their discontent.

Amid these demonstrations, Israeli police emphasized their commitment to “maintaining public order” as major roads and intersections were disrupted.

Besides the significant demonstrations in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, the unrest swept through other Israeli cities, underscoring the nationwide impact of the protests.

Groups of demonstrators gathered in Rehavot, central Israel, and at the Kiryat Gat intersection, mirroring the demands of larger cities. Haifa, in the north, also saw its share of public dissent.

According to reports, 16 individuals were detained amid the demonstrations, highlighting the growing tension.

Notably, relatives of hostages in Gaza were present, adding a poignant and personal dimension to the nationwide protests.

In the six months since the war began, over 100 Israelis remain hostages in Gaza, with 33 feared deceased.

International efforts spearheaded by Qatar, Egypt and the United States are underway to negotiate a hostage swap and establish a cease-fire.

Hamas has stated that 70 hostages have been killed in Israeli airstrikes.

The war in Gaza has had devastating consequences.

Over 32,000 Palestinians, many of them women and children, have died, as reported by the Hamas-run Health Ministry.

The region grapples with famine, exacerbated by Israeli restrictions on aid.

Israel’s actions in Gaza have led to accusations of genocide by the International Court of Justice, which has ordered Tel Aviv to cease genocidal acts and ensure the provision of humanitarian assistance to civilians.

Source: Newsroom