Israel on a Hot Plate: Protests and Strikes in Tel Aviv to Prevent the Occupation of Gaza

Israel is experiencing a state of public uproar, with protests and demonstrations escalating in major cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. These protests, which have turned into a general strike, aim to exert immense pressure on the Netanyahu government to prevent it from expanding the war in Gaza and to push for an immediate end to the conflict and a comprehensive deal for the return of hostages.

One Million Protesters Block Israel's Streets

According to the organizers of the protests, over a million Israelis participated in the various events, called for by the families of the hostages and the October Council. These demonstrations have led to the closure of major roads across the country, causing partial paralysis of daily life. Several Israeli municipalities, including Tel Aviv, have joined the general strike, reflecting a growing public rejection of the government's policy.

Government Accusations and Violent Clashes

In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu views these protests as serving the interests of Hamas and weakening Israel's negotiating position, thereby delaying the possibility of retrieving the hostages. Netanyahu warned that stopping the war before "decisive victory" would guarantee a repeat of the "horrors of October 7." These statements were met with a sharp response from opposition leader Yair Lapid, who asserted that the end of the current government would be what truly weakens Hamas.

The protests have not been without violence, as demonstrators clashed with police forces in front of the Likud party headquarters in Tel Aviv, where they set fires. Social media videos showed violent confrontations and arrests of several protesters who were chanting for the "downfall of the government."

Military Escalation in Gaza

These demonstrations coincide with the Israeli army's ongoing escalation of its operations in the Gaza Strip. Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir announced the imminent launch of the next phase of "Gideon's Chariots" in Gaza City. Zamir affirmed that this phase would continue to "deepen strikes against Hamas" until a "decisive victory," noting that the previous operation had inflicted severe damage on the movement's capabilities.

This escalation comes as dozens of Palestinian civilians are killed in continuous Israeli shelling, including 15 since Sunday morning, in addition to targeting groups waiting for aid north of Rafah. These Israeli plans have sparked a wave of international condemnation, amidst the catastrophic humanitarian crisis in the strip.