Following the approval of a plan to control Gaza City by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, mass protests have erupted across Israel. This decision has garnered international criticism, and now, significant opposition is evident within Israel. On Saturday, thousands of demonstrators gathered in Tel Aviv and other Israeli cities, protesting against the planned operation and calling for a hostage agreement and a ceasefire.
The families of the hostages have strongly opposed the plan, forewarning that it will be detrimental to their loved ones. The United Nations has warned that a complete military occupation could have ‘devastating consequences’ for the Palestinian civilians and the Israeli hostages in Gaza. The British Ambassador to Israel has voiced concerns, saying that the plan is ‘a very big mistake’.
This wave of protests constitutes one of the most substantial demonstrations in recent months. The military also expressed concerns regarding the plan to occupy Gaza, highlighting the potential endangerment of hostages, the unnecessary risks to soldiers, and the deepening of the humanitarian crisis. Public dissatisfaction has escalated, with citizens openly expressing their disapproval.
At a press briefing that preceded the rallies on Saturday, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum emphasized, ‘A red flag is waving over the government’s decision to sacrifice our loved ones.’ The forum urged policymakers to ‘reach a comprehensive hostage agreement, stop the war, bring back our loved ones, their time is up.’
The plan includes five key goals: disarming Hamas, securing the return of all hostages, demilitarizing the Gaza Strip, taking control of the area’s security, and establishing a civilian administration to replace Hamas and the Palestinian Authority.
The Israeli military has declared its intention to ‘prepare to control Gaza City while providing humanitarian assistance to the civilian population outside the war zones.’