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 and Haifa, 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 near government buildings 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 reading ‘Your hands are stained with blood’ and ‘What’s next?’ in reference to the killings.Many demonstrators also called for the resignation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, criticizing his handling of the hostage situation and the ongoing conflict. Netanyahu has been accused of sabotaging potential deals with excessive demands, such as maintaining Israeli control over the Philadelphi Corridor, a 14-kilometer border strip between Gaza and Egypt.Amidst the protests, U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director William Burns announced that a more detailed proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza will be presented within days. Burns, who is leading U.S. efforts to end the Gaza war and secure the release of hostages, described the proposal as ‘more detailed’ and ‘innovative,’ emphasizing that the issue now depends on political will from both sides.Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, the ongoing conflict has resulted in over 40,939 Palestinian deaths and 94,616 injuries since October 2023. The Israeli military operations, including airstrikes and artillery shelling, have led to civilian casualties and widespread destruction, with recent attacks reported in various areas including the Jabalia refugee camp and Rafah.
Key points
- Massive protests across Israel demand immediate release of hostages and a prisoner exchange deal with Hamas.
- CIA Director William Burns announces a new, more detailed ceasefire proposal to be presented within days.
- Netanyahu faces criticism for his handling of the hostage situation and ongoing conflict.
- Humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens with rising death toll and widespread destruction.
Contradictions👾While some sources report 400,000 protesters in Tel Aviv, others estimate up to 500,000, showing slight discrepancies in crowd size estimates.
👾There are varying reports on the exact number of hostages still held by Hamas, with estimates ranging from 97 to over 100.
