Tens of thousands of Israelis have been demonstrating in central Tel Aviv and other cities for several months, demanding the overthrow of the government and a prisoner exchange deal with Hamas. The protests have gained momentum, with calls for a general strike starting on July 7 until the Knesset is dissolved, early elections are held, and the war on Gaza is ended.
Moshe Redman, a leader of the protests, emphasized the urgency of the situation in an interview with Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper. He called on the Israeli public to strike immediately starting July 7, hoping that this will pressure key figures like Haim Biebs and the Business Forum to respond to public demands. Redman also urged for a 'warning strike' on Thursday, encouraging people not to go to work or send their children to school.
On Saturday evening, the largest demonstration since the outbreak of the war on October 7 took place in central Tel Aviv, with organizers estimating around 150,000 participants. The protesters are not only demanding the release of detainees in Gaza but also the dissolution of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government and the holding of early elections.
The Israeli occupation army has been waging a devastating war on Gaza since October 7, with absolute American support. This has resulted in over 123,000 Palestinians being killed or wounded, placing Israel in international isolation and leading to its prosecution before the International Court of Justice. Despite two UN Security Council resolutions and orders from the International Court of Justice to halt the war and improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza, Israel continues its military actions.
Protests have spread to several other cities, including Jerusalem, Herzliya, Caesarea, Raanana, Be'er Sheva, Kiryat Gat, and Pardes Hanna-Karkur. Families of hostages in Gaza have joined the demonstrations, carrying banners and images of their loved ones, and demanding the government accept the hostage release agreement. In various cities, protesters have been heard chanting slogans like 'Elections now' and 'There is nothing more important, all the hostages must return!'
Benny Gantz, a member of the Israeli war cabinet who has resigned from Netanyahu's government, participated in a rally in Carmei Gat with members of the Nir Oz kibbutz. Nir Oz was one of the kibbutzim heavily affected by the Hamas attack on October 7, with many residents killed or taken hostage.
- The ongoing protests signify a significant public outcry against the current Israeli government's handling of the war and the hostage situation. The call for a general strike reflects the protesters' determination to see tangible political changes.
- The involvement of high-profile figures like Benny Gantz and the participation of families of hostages highlight the personal and emotional stakes of the crisis. The protesters' demands for early elections and government accountability resonate with a broader discontent within Israeli society.
- The international community has been closely watching the developments in Israel and Gaza. The continued military actions despite international calls for a ceasefire have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, drawing widespread condemnation and calls for accountability.
