Massive protests erupted in Israel on Sunday over the death of six hostages held captive by Hamas in Gaza. The situation has intensified public frustration over the Israeli government’s failure to secure a ceasefire and negotiate the release of remaining captives.
In Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, an estimated 500,000 people flocked to the streets. Protestors demand that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must immediately take action to secure the release of the remaining 101 hostages. Protesters draped banners with images of deceased hostages and blocked the streets. Aerial footage from Tel Aviv showed the main highway jammed with demonstrators and police using water cannons to try to disperse crowds which led to 29 arrests.
Protesters were further inflamed by news from the Israeli military earlier that day announcing they had recovered six hostage bodies in a tunnel near Rafah, Gaza. The six captives were Carmel Gat, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Eden Yerushalmi, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi, and Ori Danino. Military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said that the forensic tests revealed that the hostages were killed by Hamas terrorists shortly before their bodies were found.
Calls for Leadership Accountability
The Israeli labour organization, Histadrut, has called for a nationwide strike in response to the demonstrations. Union leader Arnon Bar-David expressed the growing frustration within the workforce, stating, “We are receiving body bags instead of a resolution.” The strike is set to disrupt operations at Ben Gurion Airport, Israel’s main air transport hub, starting Monday morning.
Families of the hostages have been vocal in their demands for accountability from the government. The Hostage Families Forum criticized Netanyahu for the delay in negotiations, asserting that the prolonged standoff has led to the deaths of their loved ones. They urged the public to join the protests and demand action from the government.
Netanyahu’s Response and Blame Game
In response to the protests and the deaths of the hostages, Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s commitment to capturing those responsible for the killings. He stated, “Whoever murders hostages does not want a deal.”
However, senior Hamas officials have countered this narrative, blaming Israel for the deaths and accusing Netanyahu of failing to negotiate a ceasefire. Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri claimed, “Netanyahu is responsible for the killing of Israeli prisoners.”The backdrop of these events is the ongoing conflict that began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched attacks that resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths and the abduction of around 250 hostages. Since then, Israeli military operations in Gaza have reportedly led to the deaths of over 40,000 Palestinians, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
International Reactions
Amid the turmoil, U.S. President Joe Biden expressed his devastation over the deaths of the hostages, particularly highlighting the loss of 23-year-old Hersh Goldberg-Polin. Biden stated, “Hamas leaders will pay for these crimes,” reaffirming the U.S. commitment to working for the release of the remaining hostages. Meanwhile, violence continues in Gaza, where Israeli forces have engaged in clashes with Hamas militants. Further deaths have been caused by the Israeli military’s targeting of many places, including a command center housed in a former school. As the situation remains volatile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens, with reports of dire living conditions for displaced individuals.
Polio Vaccination Campaign Amid Conflict
Image source: Reuters
Israel and Hamas have agreed to pause fighting in certain areas of Gaza to facilitate a polio vaccination campaign for 640,000 children. The campaign began amid fears of a polio outbreak, following the confirmation of a case of paralysis caused by the virus. On the first day of the campaign, over 72,000 children were vaccinated.
As protests continue and the situation evolves, the Israeli public remains united in their demand for action and accountability from their leaders regarding the hostage crisis and the ongoing violence in Gaza.
