Israel in Turmoil: Protests Erupt Over Gaza Offensive
JERUSALEM – In a stunning display of defiance, protesters flooded the streets of Israel in what they dubbed a “day of disruption” on Wednesday. Their anger was directed at the Israeli government’s decision to deploy tens of thousands of reservists for a risky offensive in Gaza City, a move that critics fear may jeopardize the lives of hostages held by Hamas.
The demonstrators squarely blamed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his cabinet for failing to secure a ceasefire agreement and opting to escalate the conflict in Gaza instead.
“We must take drastic action to make sure someone listens. A state cannot abandon its people,” declared Yael Kuperman, a protester near the Knesset, in an impassioned plea broadcasted by the Israeli public broadcaster Kan.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) recently announced that Defence Minister Israel Katz had greenlit plans for an extensive military operation in Gaza City, prompting the call-up of 60,000 reservists to bolster the offensive. An additional 20,000 reservists already in service are also set to see their duties prolonged.
Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, Israel’s military chief of staff, rallied the reservists on Tuesday, signaling the army’s intention to “escalate and intensify” its actions in Gaza.
“We are gearing up for an ongoing conflict, for more battles. We are set to ramp up and strengthen our operations, which is why we need you,” General Zamir affirmed.
Israel contends that Gaza City, a Hamas stronghold, harbors an extensive network of underground tunnels used by the group. The Israeli military has escalated its airstrikes and ground assaults in the outskirts of Gaza City, particularly targeting western neighborhoods where residents are fleeing towards the coast, according to humanitarian groups providing aid to the displaced.
Despite efforts to evacuate civilians, obstacles such as exorbitant costs, logistical challenges, and limited relocation options are hindering the process, as noted by Site Management Cluster, a humanitarian organization.
Families in Gaza City are grappling with the dual threats of conflict and famine, with many reporting multiple displacements during the 23-month war. The death toll continues to climb, with 24 individuals perishing in overnight airstrikes leading into Wednesday.
The Gaza health ministry, under Hamas control, reported six additional deaths from malnutrition, further exacerbating the toll of the conflict, which has claimed 367 lives, including 131 children.
As the UK Parliament reconvenes, three NGOs have issued a plea for action, citing the dire situation in Gaza and the urgent need for intervention to avert a humanitarian catastrophe. The organizations highlighted the impact of the conflict on Palestinian civilians, including the tragic death of Mariam Abu Daqqa, a journalist, and the collapse of essential services.
“This is not just a humanitarian crisis – it is a systematic violation of human rights on a massive scale. Mere expressions of concern are insufficient,” the joint statement emphasized. – Euronews
