Tens of Thousands Protest in Tel Aviv Amid Netanyahu’s Gaza War Escalation Plans

Tens of thousands of Israelis converged on Tel Aviv Saturday night in a powerful protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s contentious plan to escalate military operations in Gaza. Organizers reported over 100,000 participants at the demonstration, which came just a day after the Prime Minister’s office announced the security cabinet’s decision to seize Gaza City.

The proposed expansion of the conflict faces significant public opposition and warnings from the military concerning the safety of the remaining hostages. Protesters demanded an immediate ceasefire and the release of the approximately 50 hostages believed to be still held in Gaza, with families of captives making emotional pleas for international intervention. Public opinion polls consistently show a strong majority of Israelis favor ending the conflict to secure the hostages’ freedom.

Netanyahu’s government is under intense domestic and international scrutiny for its decision, with the full cabinet anticipated to give its approval as early as Sunday. The move follows the collapse of ceasefire talks in July that aimed to secure more hostage releases. Critics at the rally voiced frustration, asserting the government’s actions are detrimental to national interests and reiterating calls for a US-brokered resolution.

The ongoing conflict, ignited by Hamas’s October 2023 attack, has resulted in immense human suffering, with thousands of casualties on both sides. Protesters carried Israeli flags, images of hostages, and signs expressing anger at the government, underscoring the deep divisions within Israeli society over the war’s direction.

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