Israelis Rally for Netanyahu's Resignation and Snap Elections
In cities across Israel, including Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, Beersheba, Herzliya, and Caesarea, tens of thousands of protesters have taken to the streets to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and call for early elections. The demonstrations also addressed the plight of over 130 Israeli hostages held in Gaza, urging the government to make serious efforts to negotiate their release. The protests, which are some of the largest since the conflict began six months ago, have underscored deep dissatisfaction with the current leadership and its policies.
The unrest in Israel follows a period of intense conflict, with a Palestinian militia attack on October 7 that led to a military offensive in the Gaza Strip. Reports indicate that nearly 1,200 Israelis were killed in the initial attack, with 250 more taken hostage. The Palestinian Health Authority has reported a significant number of casualties in Gaza, estimating around 33,000 deaths, and warnings of a looming famine in the area have been issued by United Nations aid agencies.
In Tel Aviv, the situation escalated as three protesters were seriously injured when a driver hit them; the driver has since been arrested by the police. Israeli President Isaac Herzog has called for all possible efforts to secure the release of the hostages. Meanwhile, representatives from Hamas are set to engage in ceasefire talks in Cairo, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S. The outcome of these negotiations remains uncertain amid the ongoing public outcry and political turmoil within Israel.
