Half a million Israelis protest to demand a ceasefire with Hamas
Half a million Israelis gathered on Saturday evening in Tel Aviv to protest against the government. The demonstrators are demanding the swiftest possible acceptance of a ceasefire with Hamas, which would free the hostages held in the Gaza Strip, organisers said.
Half a million citizens took to the streets in the capital alone. In other cities in Israel, 250,000 people joined the protests. Organisers claim that the police have confirmed the number of protesters they provided.
According to these estimates, Saturday's gathering in Tel Aviv was the largest demonstration in Israel's 76-year history. The police have not officially confirmed the number of protesters. Clashes with officers were reported in Tel Aviv, and five people were arrested.
Large gatherings also occurred in Jerusalem, Haifa, Be'er Sheva, Caesarea, and other cities. Protesters blocked roads and lit bonfires. In Tel Aviv, there was a clash between demonstrators and participants of a counter-demonstration organised by far-right groups, reported the Times of Israel portal.
Protests are increasing in Israel
Throughout Israel, regular protests have been taking place for months in defence of the captured, calling on the government to release them as quickly as possible. In a terrorist attack on 7 October 2023, Hamas and other terrorist organisations kidnapped 251 hostages, 97 of whom are still being held in the Gaza Strip, some of whom are likely dead.
Protests in Israel intensified last week. On Sunday, 1 August, the army brought back the bodies of another six hostages. The kidnapped were held for nearly 11 months and were then shot just a few days before soldiers found their bodies.
Part of Israeli society accuses Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of delaying negotiations for political gain. The prime minister's far-right coalition partners oppose an agreement with Hamas, so its acceptance could mean the fall of the government.
Netanyahu argues that he will not yield to Hamas, and the only way to free the hostages is through a tough negotiating stance and military pressure on this terrorist organisation.
