The opposition to military actions against Hamas grows as families of hostages call for changes to the government's approach.
**Protests Surge Over Netanyahu's Gaza Expansion Plan Amid Hostage Concerns**
**Protests Surge Over Netanyahu's Gaza Expansion Plan Amid Hostage Concerns**
Thousands across Israel challenge Prime Minister's strategy in intensifying military conflict.
In Israel, widespread protests are erupting against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's controversial decision to escalate military operations in Gaza. The security cabinet's recent endorsement of principles aimed at establishing control over Gaza City has sparked significant unrest among citizens, particularly those with family members held as hostages.
Demonstrators, including relatives of 50 hostages—20 of whom are believed to be alive—express deep concern over the potential risks their loved ones face in the wake of this operational expansion. "Expanding the fighting endangers the hostages and the soldiers; the people of Israel are not willing to risk them!" stated a spokesperson for the families on social media platform X.
The protests have showcased diverse voices, from relatives advocating for an end to hostilities to former soldiers who have now taken a stance against continuing to fight under the current government actions. Max Kresch, a protester and former combat soldier, declared, "We're over 350 soldiers who served during the war and we're refusing to continue to serve in Netanyahu's political war that endangers the hostages and starving innocent Palestinians in Gaza." His statement echoes a broader sentiment among participants who see the expansion as harmful to both hostages and civilians.
Calls for general strikes have emerged from family members of captives, although the main labor union has not supported such actions. In contrast, Netanyahu remains steadfast, asserting that the military operations are essential for freeing the hostages and ultimately stabilizing Gaza. His recent remarks to Fox News emphasized Israel's goal of liberating Gaza from Hamas rather than occupying the territory, intending to replace it with "Arab forces."
Resistance to the prime minister's military strategy has also arisen from high-ranking military officials. Lt Gen Eyal Zamir, the army's Chief of Staff, reportedly cautioned Netanyahu about the risks of complete occupation, hinting that it could lead to disastrous outcomes for both hostages and local civilians.
Public opinion polls indicate a growing inclination among Israelis towards negotiating with Hamas for the safe return of hostages and an end to the ongoing conflict. The Israeli security cabinet's framework for concluding the war includes five principles: disarming Hamas, safely returning all hostages, demilitarizing Gaza, establishing security oversight, and creating a new civil administration.
As international criticism of Israel's strategies intensifies, countries like the UK, France, and Canada have condemned the expansion plans, while Germany has halted military exports to Israel. The UN has also issued warnings about the humanitarian crisis that may result from a full military takeover of Gaza City.
The backdrop of these developments began with the October 7 attacks by Hamas, which claimed the lives of approximately 1,200 Israelis and resulted in the taking of over 250 hostages. Following these events, the conflict in Gaza has seen a dramatic rise in civilian casualties, with upwards of 61,300 reported dead as per the Hamas-run health ministry.
