Thousands of Israelis protest to demand release of hostages, end to Gaza war
The strike, organised by the hostages' families, saw mixed participation from businesses, with some allowing staff to join while others remained open. Schools were unaffected due to the summer break.By early afternoon, police reported detaining 38 demonstrators after some clashes over blocked roads. Demonstrations were temporarily paused around 4 pm local time when air raid sirens warned of a missile fired from Yemen, which was successfully intercepted.In a cabinet meeting, Netanyahu stated that calls to end the war without defeating Hamas only strengthen the group and delay hostage releases. The prime minister, heading Israel's most right-wing government, reaffirmed plans for the military to seize Gaza City, one of the few areas not under Israeli control.Many Israelis, particularly hostages' families, oppose the move, fearing it could endanger captives still alive. Israeli officials estimate that around 20 of the 50 remaining hostages in Gaza are alive.Opposition leader Yair Lapid attended a rally in Tel Aviv, praising the demonstrators' solidarity. 'The only thing that strengthens the country is the wonderful spirit of people stepping out today,' he wrote on X.Since the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023, the conflict has left thousands dead on both sides. According to Gaza health officials, over 61,000 Palestinians have died due to Israel's military operations, including at least 29 on Sunday.In Israel, over 400 soldiers have died in Gaza, while more than 1,200 people were killed and 251 captured during the Hamas attack. Most hostages freed so far returned through diplomatic talks, but negotiations collapsed in July, with Hamas demanding an end to the war for the release of remaining captives.- EndsWith inputs from ReutersTune InMust Watch
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