On Sunday, Israelis observed nine months since the devastating Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7 and the subsequent Gaza war with widespread anti-government protests. Demonstrators primarily demanded a cease-fire deal with Hamas to secure the release of hostages and called for new elections in Israel. The protests paralyzed traffic in major cities including central Tel Aviv.
Recent days have seen some progress in resuming negotiations, although fighting continues in Gaza and along Israel’s northern border with Lebanon. An Israeli airstrike on Saturday targeted an area near a U.N. school in Gaza, killing at least 16 people, while clashes persisted with Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Many Israelis fear that cease-fire efforts could falter due to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accused of prioritizing his political survival. His ultranationalist coalition partners have threatened to collapse the government if any deal is made before Hamas’s complete destruction—a goal seen as unrealistic by many experts.
Protest leader Shikma Bressler criticized far-right parties for opposing a deal, suggesting they seek prolonged conflict. Netanyahu, referred to by his nickname “Bibi,” was accused of needing war to avoid elections.
On Sunday, the Israeli military continued operations in Gaza’s Rafah and Shajaiye areas, and struck a municipal building in Khan Younis, alleging its use by Hamas militants. The northern border also remained tense, with rockets fired from Lebanon injuring an Israeli civilian.
During a Saturday protest in Tel Aviv, Einav Zangauker, whose son is held hostage, expressed hope over renewed cease-fire talks but criticized Netanyahu for previously sabotaging deals.
Netanyahu faces widespread anger for failing to take responsibility for intelligence lapses leading to the Oct. 7 attack, which killed 1,200 Israelis and resulted in 250 hostages taken to Gaza. Currently, 120 hostages remain, with at least a third presumed dead.
Sunday’s protests, named a “Day of Disturbance,” began with early morning demonstrations and involved numerous tech companies supporting staff participation. While indirect Israel-Hamas talks continue, a cease-fire agreement remains elusive.
Original Story https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/07/world/middleeast/israel-gaza-protests.html
Category : Israel-Gaza War (2023- ),International Relations,Demonstrations, Protests and Riots,Hamas,Netanyahu, Benjamin,Bressler, Shikma,Israel,Gaza Strip
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