More than 500,000 ‘israelis’ gather in Tel Aviv for what is being called the ‘biggest-ever’ protests against the regime
Over half a million Israeli settlers have taken to the streets of Tel Aviv once more, calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government. The protests are in response to their inability to negotiate a ceasefire and secure the release of captives in Gaza.
According to reports from Israeli media, more than 500,000 individuals joined Tel Aviv’s “largest-ever” anti-regime protest on Saturday, marking the eighth successive night of demonstrations.
Approximately 250,000 additional individuals participated in the demonstrations in various towns throughout the occupied territories, such as al-Quds, Haifa, Be’er Sheva, and near Netanyahu’s private home in Caesarea.
Protesters in the occupied al-Quds were chanting, “The regime’s lies won’t bring about security,” as they called for an end to the ongoing 11-month war in Gaza. They also demanded the resignation of the Israeli far-right cabinet and urged for another general strike to increase economic pressure for a ceasefire agreement.
According to reports, confrontations with the police occurred when demonstrators obstructed highways and ignited a bonfire.
Authorities reported that they took five demonstrators into custody during the protest in Tel Aviv.
Earlier in the day, Israel’s finance minister Bezalel Smotrich voiced his disapproval of the ceasefire agreement, stating that the conditions endorsed by Netanyahu would hinder the regime’s objectives of “eliminating” the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas and ensuring the release of all hostages.
The recent deaths of six captives have sparked outrage among Israelis, who for months have criticized Netanyahu’s decision to sabotage a deal with Hamas for his own political gain.
Hamas blamed the Israeli occupation regime and Netanyahu’s government for the recent fatalities, citing their refusal to agree to a ceasefire.
“Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu bears responsibility for the deaths of Israeli prisoners,” senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri informed Reuters. “The Israeli people must decide between maintaining their support for Netanyahu or proceeding with the agreement.”
Israel initiated its aggressive assault on Gaza following a surprise operation by Hamas-led resistance groups. This operation was in response to Israel’s long-standing and escalating acts of violence against the Palestinian people, which have persisted for more than seventy years.
Throughout its activities, Hamas captured 251 Israelis, of whom 97 are still held in Gaza. This number includes the bodies of at least 33 individuals confirmed deceased by the regime’s army during its strikes.
After 11 months of the Gaza offensive, the Tel Aviv administration has been unsuccessful in accomplishing its stated goals of eradicating Hamas and securing the release of captives, even after causing the deaths of nearly 41,000 Palestinians, the majority of whom were women and children.
