Intense debate is unfolding across Israel and beyond as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government gear up to seize Gaza City. Announcing the decision during a Sunday cabinet meeting, Netanyahu warned that calls to end the war without defeating Hamas could spell a repeat of the horrors of October 7.
His announcement followed plans to evacuate Gaza City residents southward, signaling the start of a new offensive phase in the enclave's north. Critics say the move risks the safety of the 49 hostages still being held in the city.
Mass protests demand a different path 🤔✊
In a dramatic show of dissent, tens of thousands of Israelis flooded the streets on Sunday, demanding a ceasefire deal and the release of hostages instead of further military action. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which organized the rallies, reported that hundreds of thousands took part across 300 locations nationwide.
Protesters carried Israeli flags alongside yellow banners symbolizing the hostage struggle, chanting slogans and banging drums. “The conquest of Gaza = death sentence for the hostages,” one placard read. “We don't win a war over the bodies of hostages,” echoed the crowd.
A call for a “rational plan”
Gadi Moses, a former hostage himself, addressed the demonstrators: “The path of war will not lead to any solution.” He urged leaders to drop calls to eliminate Hamas, warning that another extremist group would simply take its place.
“We need an agreement that will satisfy both sides, so neither will be afraid,” Moses said, calling for a “rational plan” that brings real benefits to Palestinian residents and ensures lasting security for Israel. 🕊️
As global condemnation mounts, Israel faces mounting pressure to reconsider its approach and prioritize a negotiated peace that protects civilians and hostages alike.
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Israel's planned Gaza City offensive sparks protests, condemnation
cgtn.com
