On Sunday, Israel witnessed unprecedented protests after six hostages were killed in Gaza, with demonstrators voicing frustration over the government’s failure to secure a ceasefire and the release of remaining captives. Up to 500,000 people took to the streets in cities like Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, demanding that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu take urgent action to bring home the remaining 101 hostages.
Protesters blocked major roads and gathered outside Netanyahu’s residence, waving flags with images of the deceased hostages. In response to the disruptions, police used water cannons and made 29 arrests. The Labour Union has called for a general strike on Monday to escalate pressure on the government.
The Israeli military has confirmed the recovery of the bodies from a tunnel in Rafah, Gaza. Forensic examinations revealed that the hostages—Carmel Gat, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Eden Yerushalmi, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi, and Ori Danino—were murdered by Hamas militants with close-range gunfire.
Prime Minister Netanyahu has vowed that Israel will not rest until those responsible are caught, while Hamas officials blame the Israeli government for the ongoing violence and deaths. Netanyahu’s refusal to agree to a ceasefire deal has been a point of contention, with critics arguing that it is exacerbating the crisis.
In a show of solidarity, Israel’s Trades Union Federation head, Arnon Bar-David, announced a general strike set to close Ben Gurion Airport from 8 a.m. on Monday. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and opposition leader Yair Lapid have also called for a ceasefire agreement.
U.S. President Joe Biden expressed outrage over the deaths, particularly that of Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin, and promised that Hamas leaders would be held accountable. He remains hopeful for a ceasefire agreement despite ongoing negotiations mediated by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt.
Amid the turmoil, efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza have included a pause in fighting to allow for a polio vaccination campaign. This initiative aims to immunize 640,000 children in Gaza, with over 72,000 vaccinated on the first day.
