Israel witnessed a wave of protests on Monday as hundreds of thousands of demonstrators expressed their anger over the government's inability to secure a ceasefire-for-hostages deal with Hamas. The protests, which took place in various cities including Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Caesarea, were fueled by the recent killing of six hostages in Gaza.
Protesters targeted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's residences, with some lighting fires and chanting slogans holding him responsible for the situation. In Tel Aviv, demonstrators gathered outside the US Embassy, expressing their discontent late into the evening.
The demonstrations marked the largest general strike in Israel since 2023, with the country's largest labor union, Histadrut, calling for the shutdown of the entire economy. The strike led to disruptions in various sectors, including flights at Ben Gurion International Airport being halted for two hours.
Despite mounting criticism, Netanyahu remained defiant during a press conference, emphasizing that Hamas should make concessions for a potential deal. The Israeli leader vowed to retaliate against Hamas for the killing of the hostages, further escalating tensions between the two sides.
One of the key points of contention in the ceasefire negotiations is the control of the Philadelphi corridor along Gaza's border with Egypt. Netanyahu insists on maintaining control of the area to prevent arms smuggling, while Hamas demands Israeli troops to withdraw from the border zone.
The protests and strikes underscore the deep divisions within the Israeli government over the handling of the conflict with Hamas. While some officials advocate for a tough stance, others, including American officials, stress the urgency of reaching a ceasefire-for-hostages deal.
As the situation remains tense, the families of the hostages continue to demand justice and the safe return of their loved ones. The funeral of one of the slain hostages was held in Jerusalem, with emotional tributes honoring the victims and calling for solidarity in the face of adversity.
Amidst the turmoil, public services, schools, and universities in Israel were impacted by the strike, further highlighting the widespread repercussions of the ongoing crisis.
