Mass Protests Erupt Across Occupied Tel Aviv and Other Cities Against Intensification of Gaza War

Demonstrations took place in various locations, notably at Habima Square in Tel Aviv, where attendees urged for the release of individuals detained by Gaza-based Palestinian resistance factions, even if it requires ceasing hostilities. This was reported by the Israeli daily, Yedioth Ahronoth.

Reports indicate that the families of captives took part in a major demonstration in Tel Aviv, which was led by prominent activist lawyer Eliad Shraga.

A demonstration organized by the families of captives took place outside the Kirya military headquarters.

Parallel demonstrations were organized in various regions within the Israeli-controlled territories, specifically in the central city of Rehovot, the coastal city of Haifa, and at Karkur Junction near Wadi Ara.

On Saturday, a large crowd of settlers took to the streets of Kiryat Bialik, rallying for the freedom of Matan Angrest, an Israeli soldier who was captured on October 7, 2023, following Hamas’s Operation Al-Aqsa Storm in the occupied territories.

Amid growing tensions, the state broadcaster KAN announced that Israel is gearing up for an “intensified phase” of the military operation named “Gideon’s Chariots” in the Gaza Strip, which will involve deploying thousands of additional troops.

According to a report referencing unnamed political sources, a new phase is underway with the objective to expand territorial control in northern and central Gaza, coupled with the forced relocation of substantial numbers of Palestinians to the southern region.

Sources have indicated that the objective is to expand into new regions within Gaza, primarily through a ground operation that heavily depends on aerial strikes.

The escalation comes in the wake of a comprehensive ground offensive initiated last Sunday, signifying the operational execution of “Gideon’s Chariots,” involving the complete removal of Palestinians from the areas of conflict.

Israel’s armed forces are actively engaging in operations within Gaza, deploying five divisions: 98, 252, 143, 36, and 162. These efforts are supplemented by the prominent Nahal and Golani brigades, known for their specialized capabilities.

On Saturday, the Israeli forces mobilized their full complement of standing army infantry and armored brigades to the Gaza Strip, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing 19-month conflict with the Palestinian territory.

Israeli media outlets report that Netanyahu has stated the launch of an “intensified” offensive aimed at the “elimination” of Hamas. However, they also note that this operation has not yet resulted in any direct engagements with the resistance movement.

The ongoing conflict continues to inflict a devastating toll on Gaza’s civilian population, with increasing reports of fatalities due to starvation emerging for the first time since the invasion began in October 2023.

Israel has dispatched its full contingent of standing army infantry and armored brigades to the Gaza Strip, as renewed ceasefire negotiations are underway in Qatar.

Negotiations commenced last week following the release of Israeli-American captive Edan Alexander, but have so far failed to yield any substantial progress.

Reports indicate that resistance factions in the Gaza Strip are currently detaining 58 individuals. This number includes 57 of the 251 individuals captured by Hamas-led forces on October 7, 2023.

The Israeli military has confirmed the discovery of bodies, with at least 35 reported dead. Among these, 20 individuals are presumed to still be alive.

Hamas has released a total of 30 captives amidst a ceasefire spanning from January to March. The group of released individuals includes 20 Israeli settlers, five soldiers, and five Thai nationals. Additionally, the bodies of eight captives, who were reportedly killed during the widespread Israeli bombardment of Gaza, were also handed over. Earlier this month, one more captive, identified as Alexander, was released.

In a significant development during a weeklong truce in late November 2023, the Palestinian resistance movement based in Gaza released 105 Israeli settlers. Prior to this, four captives had been freed in the early stages of the conflict.

In a recent exchange, Israel has released approximately 2,000 Palestinian detainees, including individuals from Gaza who were held during the ongoing conflict in the region.

Eight Israeli captives have been discovered alive by the regime’s forces, while bodies of 41 individuals have been recovered. Among the deceased are three individuals mistakenly killed by the Israeli military, along with the remains of a soldier who lost his life in 2014.

The remains of Lieutenant Hadar Goldin, an Israeli soldier who lost his life in 2014, continue to be held by Hamas, and he is considered one of the 58 captives.