On September 7, 2024, Israel witnessed one of its largest protests since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, with an estimated 400,000 to 500,000 people gathering in Tel Aviv alone. The demonstrations, which spread across multiple Israeli cities including Jerusalem, Haifa, and Rehovot, marked the 11th month since the Hamas attack and primarily demanded the immediate release of hostages held in Gaza and a prisoner exchange deal with Hamas.Protesters, including families of hostages, gathered outside the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) headquarters on Begin Street in Tel Aviv, carrying Israeli flags and photos of the kidnapped. Chants such as ‘Why are they still in Gaza?’ and ‘An unsigned agreement is a murder’ echoed through the crowds. The demonstrations gained momentum following the recent recovery of six hostages’ bodies by the IDF, with signs of recent execution.Notably, former Chief of Staff and Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon joined the protests, carrying a banner that read ‘We’ll be in the streets until they’re home’. Many demonstrators also called for the resignation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and early elections, criticizing his handling of the hostage situation and the ongoing conflict.Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. Israeli forces are reportedly carrying out airstrikes and artillery shelling in various areas of the Gaza Strip, resulting in civilian casualties and widespread destruction. The ongoing blockade and restrictions on fuel and essential aid have led to what many describe as a ‘catastrophic’ situation for Gaza’s residents.As protests intensify within Israel, the international community is also responding. In London, tens of thousands of people demonstrated, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. The ongoing crisis has put significant pressure on the Israeli government, with Netanyahu facing criticism from both protesters and families of hostages for his stance on the conflict and negotiations.
Key points
- Up to 500,000 Israelis protested in Tel Aviv, with thousands more across the country, demanding hostage release and a prisoner exchange deal with Hamas.
- Protests intensified following the discovery of six executed hostages’ bodies in Gaza.
- Demonstrators also called for Prime Minister Netanyahu’s resignation and early elections.
- The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to worsen amid ongoing Israeli military operations and blockade.
Contradictions👾There are varying reports on the exact number of protesters in Tel Aviv, with estimates ranging from 350,000 to 500,000.
👾Some sources report police cracking down on protesters, while others do not mention any confrontations with law enforcement.
