Streets were set ablaze as protesters demand Israel agrees a Gaza ceasefire amid mounting fears for the remaining hostages and as Palestinians brace for another ground offensive
Angry Israeli protesters have taken to the streets, burning tires, blocking highways and demanding a Gaza ceasefire to save hostages still held in the Palestinian enclave. Some of the strongest demonstrations since war began were launched as the Israeli military pounded Gaza City in preparation for a fresh and major ground offensive.
The public disorder broke out over fears the Israeli government’s relentless attack on Gaza will put the surviving hostages still held in the Strip at even more risk. In Tel Aviv, where regular anti-Netanyahu protests are frequent, black smoke rose from burning tires set ablaze on 4th Avenue, which was blocked by Israeli protesters.
Israelis protested by blocking some main roads in the coastal city, demanding the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza. And it came as three more Palestinians died of starvation, taking the hunger toll to 303 since the war began, including 117 children dead from lack of food.
Meanwhile Gaza City is being smashed by warplanes launching bombs and tankfire as the Israeli Defence Force hunts down remaining Hamas fighter diehards. The violence killed at least another 75 Palestinians since dawn on Tuesday, including 17 who were desperately seeking aid and were killed by troops.
The death toll, now standing at close to 63,000, keeps rising as the killing of five journalists attracted global condemnation from Canada, Egypt, Iran and Saudi Arabia. International human rights and humanitarian organisations, including Doctors Without Borders (MSF) and the Foreign Press Association, have expressed “outrage” and “shock” at the attack.
Mass protests are breaking out over the plight of the hostages, less than 20 of the remaining 50 thought still to be alive. Dalia Cusnir, sister-in-law of kidnapped brothers Iair Horn and Eitan Horn says that she and others protesting today want to see the PM sign an initial deal with Hamas.
She said she would agree with a deal – even if it’s just a partial one – as it’s “the only way” to get a comprehensive deal. She added: “We just want the 50 hostages back home, that’s it.”
Disruption in Israel came as Gazans are braced for the expanded offensive against a backdrop of displacement, destruction and parts of the territory plunging into famine. It was just a day after strikes against Gaza’s main hospital killed 20 people including medics and journalists, among them Mariam Dagga, a journalist who worked for The Associated Press.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was expected to hold a security cabinet meeting later Tuesday, but it’s unclear if he will discuss ceasefire efforts. He has said that Israel will launch an expanded offensive in Gaza City while simultaneously pursuing a ceasefire, though Israel has yet to send a negotiating team to discuss a proposal on the table.
Netanyahu has said the offensive is the best way to weaken Hamas and return hostages, but hostage families and their supporters have pushed back. He has insisted on the call-up of another 60,000 military reserves to reinforce the military operation in Gaza.
Ruby Chen, the father of 21-year-old Itay Chen, a dual Israeli-American citizen whose body is being held in Gaza, stormed: “Go back to the negotiation table. There’s a good deal on the table. It’s something we can work with,” said “We could get a deal done to bring all the hostages back.”
Hamas captured 251 hostages on Oct. 7, 2023 and killed 1,200 when they broke out of the Strip and launched a murder spree that shocked the world. Most of the hostages have been released during ceasefires.
Israel has only rescued eight hostages alive. Fifty hostages remain in Gaza, and around 20 of them are believed by Israel to still be living. Responding to a call from Israel’s Hostages and Missing Families Forum for a “National Day of Struggle,” protesters waved banners that read “Hostage Deal Now.”
The relatives of hostages said they hope steady pressure can push Netanyahu and his security cabinet to commit to ceasefire talks. But far-right members of his coalition have repeatedly threatened to remove their support if Israel agrees to a truce. Einav Zangauker, whose 25-year-old son Matan was abducted on Oct. 7, said: “We could have ended the war a year ago and brought all the hostages and soldiers home.
“We could have saved hostages and soldiers, but the prime minister chose, again and again, to sacrifice civilians for the sake of his rule.” He was echoing deep suspicions that Netanyahu is spinning out the war to remain in power.