A small group of anti-government protesters defied a crackdown on anti-war voices and demanded a ceasefire, rallying in Tel Aviv. They were joined by friends and family members of Israeli and foreign captives held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, calling for their immediate release. The protesters criticized the Israeli government’s handling of the crisis and urged action to bring the captives home.
Israeli left-wing activists also held a demonstration in Tel Aviv, calling for a ceasefire despite ongoing battles between Israel and Hamas. Demands for a ceasefire have been growing worldwide, with world leaders also advocating for humanitarian pauses to allow civilians to flee and for aid delivery.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the idea of a ceasefire without the return of hostages, while also ruling out a role for the Palestinian Authority in Gaza after the war. The United States has suggested the PA retake control of Gaza from Hamas, with potential international involvement in the interim.
More than 11,000 Palestinians, including over 4,500 children, have been killed in Gaza since Israel’s campaign of air strikes and ground offensive began. The fighting has brought devastation to Gaza City’s main hospitals.