On Sunday, tens of thousands of demonstrators poured into the streets of Tel Aviv. They called out Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s intention to escalate military action in Gaza. More than 100,000 people joined the protests. They called for an immediate ceasefire in the current war and to address the disproportionate impact of the current violence, urging all hostages held by Hamas to be released. This story is complicated by enormous public backlash due in large part to the horrific details surrounding the event. According to the Gazan health ministry, more than 61,000 Palestinians have died since the start of the war.
These most recent developments are a reminder of the rising violence throughout the region. Just in the past day, at least 39 Palestinians were killed, highlighting the deadly impact of resumed Israeli military operations. Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, in a premeditated, brutal surprise attack that killed at least 1,200 people, most of them civilians. The attack resulted in the kidnapping of 251 people into Gaza, making this extreme escalation even more severe.
Public Backlash Against Military Strategy
Netanyahu’s announcement of these plans to widen and deepen military operations has been met with especially fierce internal and external criticism. As the sun rose, demonstrators waved placards and chanted their displeasure, calling for the violence to cease. Activists from all walks of life lit up the hearing with passionate stories. Many were carrying photos of Gazan kids who were killed during the escalation in violence.
“We don’t have anything to do there. It’s not ours,” – Tal
And judging by the public’s reaction, it seems like the people are ready for a change in strategy. Recent opinion polls indicate that an overwhelming majority of Israelis support an immediate cessation of hostilities to facilitate the release of remaining hostages held in Gaza. The expanding demand for civilian accountability has made life uncomfortable for Netanyahu’s right-wing government, which now finds itself under greater scrutiny for its militaristic response.
The odious far-right minister Bezalel Smotrich completely backs the military onslaught. He vapidly condemned Netanyahu’s still-born plans and weighed in behind annexing most of Gaza. This discord within the government mirrors a much deeper division within Israeli society about the direction of this conflict.
Rising Casualty Figures and Ongoing Hostage Crisis
Yet the human cost of this unnecessary conflict grows each day at a staggering rate. According to Israel’s health ministry in Gaza, 61,490 Palestinians have died as a result of Israeli military interventions. This tragic price has been paid since the start of the war. The numbers are still stark, with over 400 Israeli combatants included among the dead in Gaza after October 7.
The ongoing hostage situation in Israel adds even more complexity to the conflict. According to the Israeli government, about 20 hostages remain alive inside Gaza. Families of the hostages have been demonstrating loudly and forcefully. They don’t want to see any poisonous rhetoric leading to a dangerous military escalation that can endanger their friends and family.
“This isn’t just a military decision. It could be a death sentence for the people we love most,” – Lishay Miran Lavi
With deaths piling up and public outcry intensifying, time may be running out for both parties. Maron spoke with families impacted by the conflict who are growing concerned about what could happen if a military campaign drags on.
Calls for Immediate Change
The protests are a raw expression of how much so many Israelis long for peace and stability, and the end to violence. Participants such as Yana, who made the trip with her mother and brother, expressed their fears regarding the war that continues to rage.
“Frankly, I’m not an expert or anything, but I feel that after two years of fighting there has been no success,” – Yana
Activists on the ground are vigorously, fiercely organizing to take apart this so-called “death cabinet.” They’ve got government officials responding to their activism, rethinking their strategies, and considering public sentiment. The protests signify a pivotal moment in Israeli society’s grappling with the realities of war and its impact on both Israeli and Palestinian lives.
“They are fanatic. They are doing things against the interests of the country,” – Rami Dar
