Latest news with #DoronWilfand
Calgary Herald
a day ago
- Politics
- Calgary Herald
Protests held across Israel calling for end to Gaza war, hostage deal
Article content Tel Aviv (AFP) — Demonstrators took to the streets across Israel Sunday calling for an end to the war in Gaza and a deal to release hostages still held by militants, as the military prepares a new offensive. Article content The protests come more than a week after Israel's security cabinet approved plans to capture Gaza City, following 22 months of war that have created dire humanitarian conditions in the Palestinian territory. Article content Article content The war was triggered by Palestinian militant group Hamas's October 2023 attack on Israel, during which 251 people were taken hostage. Article content A huge Israeli flag covered with portraits of the remaining captives was unfurled in Tel Aviv's so-called Hostage Square — which has long been a focal point for protests throughout the war. Article content Demonstrators also blocked several roads in the city, including the highway connecting Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, where demonstrators set tires on fire and caused traffic jams, according to local media footage. Article content Article content Protest organizers and the main campaign group representing the families of hostages also called for a general strike on Sunday — the first day of the week in Israel. Article content In Jerusalem and in Tel Aviv, many businesses were shut. Article content Article content 'I think it's time to end the war. It's time to release all of the hostages. And it's time to help Israel recover and move towards a more stable Middle East,' said Doron Wilfand, a 54-year-old tour guide, at a rally in Jerusalem. Article content The Hostages and Missing Families Forum campaign group said in a statement that protesters would 'shut down the country today (Sunday) with one clear call: Bring back the 50 hostages, end the war'. Article content Their toll includes a soldier killed in a 2014 war whose remains are held by Hamas. Article content The forum plans to set up a protest tent near the Gaza border, vowing to 'escalate our struggle and do everything possible to bring back our beloved ones'. Article content 'If we don't bring them back now -– we will lose them forever.'
Leaders
a day ago
- Politics
- Leaders
In Photos: Protests Sweep Israel Calling for Gaza War End, Hostage Deal
Demonstrators on Sunday flooded the streets of Israel, demanding an end to the ongoing war in Gaza and a deal to release hostages held by militants. This wave of protests coincides with the Israeli military's preparations for a new offensive in the region. Demonstrators take part in a protest demanding the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas and calling for the Israeli government to reverse its decision to take over Gaza City and other areas in the Gaza Strip, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025. The protests follow a decision by Israel's security cabinet to capture Gaza City, marking a significant escalation after 22 months of conflict. The war began after Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel in October 2023, resulting in the abduction of 251 individuals. Currently, 49 hostages remain in Gaza, with the Israeli military reporting that 27 of them are deceased. Demonstrators take part in a protest demanding the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas and calling for the Israeli government to reverse its decision to take over Gaza City and other areas in the Gaza Strip, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025. In Tel Aviv's Hostage Square, a massive Israeli flag adorned with portraits of the remaining captives was displayed prominently in the location that has served as a central hub for protests throughout the conflict. Demonstrators also blocked major roads, including the highway linking Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, with Eyewitness accounts and local media footage showing protesters setting tires ablaze, creating significant traffic disruptions. People sit on the ground and cover their heads as a siren sounds a warning of incoming missile fired from Yemen during a protest demanding the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas and calling for the Israeli government to reverse its decision to take over Gaza City and other areas in the Gaza Strip, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025. Calls for Action Protest organizers, along with the primary campaign group representing hostage families, called for a general strike on Sunday. Doron Wilfand, a 54-year-old tour guide, voiced his sentiments at a rally in Jerusalem, stating, 'I think it's time to end the war. It's time to release all of the hostages. And it's time to help Israel recover and move towards a more stable Middle East.' Demonstrators block a road during a protest demanding the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas and calling for the Israeli government to reverse its decision to take over Gaza City and other areas in the Gaza Strip, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025. However, some government officials opposed the demonstrations. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich criticized the protests, labeling them 'a perverse and harmful campaign that plays into the hands of Hamas.' He argued that public pressure for a deal undermines the safety of the hostages and threatens Israel's security. Footage from APTFV captured protesters rallying in Beeri, a kibbutz near the Gaza border that suffered greatly during the Hamas attack, with reports indicating that protests occurred in various locations across the country. Israel's plans to intensify military action in Gaza City and surrounding refugee camps have drawn international condemnation and domestic dissent. Demonstrators block a road during a protest demanding the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas and calling for the Israeli government to reverse its decision to take over Gaza City and other areas in the Gaza Strip, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025. Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza UN-backed experts have raised alarms about a looming famine in Gaza, where Israel has significantly restricted humanitarian aid. According to Gaza's civil defense agency, Israeli troops killed at least 13 Palestinians on Saturday while they waited for food aid near distribution sites. Since the conflict began in October 2023, Israeli military actions have resulted in over 61,897 Palestinian deaths, predominantly among civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run health ministry, which the United Nations considers credible. Demonstrators partially block a road during a protest demanding the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas and calling for the Israeli government to reverse its decision to take over Gaza City and other areas in the Gaza Strip, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025. As protests continue to grow across Israel, the call for peace and the release of hostages remains urgent. The situation in Gaza escalates, prompting both local and international communities to seek solutions to this ongoing humanitarian crisis. Short link : Post Views: 16
Vancouver Sun
a day ago
- Politics
- Vancouver Sun
Protests held across Israel calling for end to Gaza war, hostage deal
Tel Aviv (AFP) — Demonstrators took to the streets across Israel Sunday calling for an end to the war in Gaza and a deal to release hostages still held by militants, as the military prepares a new offensive. The protests come more than a week after Israel's security cabinet approved plans to capture Gaza City, following 22 months of war that have created dire humanitarian conditions in the Palestinian territory. The war was triggered by Palestinian militant group Hamas's October 2023 attack on Israel, during which 251 people were taken hostage. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Forty-nine captives remain in Gaza, including 27 the Israeli military says are dead. A huge Israeli flag covered with portraits of the remaining captives was unfurled in Tel Aviv's so-called Hostage Square — which has long been a focal point for protests throughout the war. Demonstrators also blocked several roads in the city, including the highway connecting Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, where demonstrators set tires on fire and caused traffic jams, according to local media footage. Protest organizers and the main campaign group representing the families of hostages also called for a general strike on Sunday — the first day of the week in Israel. In Jerusalem and in Tel Aviv, many businesses were shut. 'I think it's time to end the war. It's time to release all of the hostages. And it's time to help Israel recover and move towards a more stable Middle East,' said Doron Wilfand, a 54-year-old tour guide, at a rally in Jerusalem. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum campaign group said in a statement that protesters would 'shut down the country today (Sunday) with one clear call: Bring back the 50 hostages, end the war'. Their toll includes a soldier killed in a 2014 war whose remains are held by Hamas. The forum plans to set up a protest tent near the Gaza border, vowing to 'escalate our struggle and do everything possible to bring back our beloved ones'. 'If we don't bring them back now -– we will lose them forever.' Recent videos released by Hamas and its ally Islamic Jihad showing two weak and emaciated captives have heightened concern for the fate of the hostages. Egypt said in recent days mediators were leading a renewed push to secure a 60-day truce that would include hostage release, after the last round of talks in Qatar had ended without a breakthrough. Viki Cohen, whose son Nimrod is held in Gaza, said in a post on X addressing him: 'I hope you have access to the media somewhere in the tunnels, and that you will see how the people of Israel pause life today for you and for the hostages. Stay strong, just a little more.' Speaking at a rally in Tel Aviv, Israeli President Issac Herzog said 'we want them back as soon as possible', calling for international pressure on Hamas. Some Israeli government members who oppose any deal with Hamas slammed Sunday's demonstrations. Israel's far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich decried 'a perverse and harmful campaign that plays into the hands of Hamas'. He argued that public pressure to secure a deal effectively 'buries the hostages in tunnels and seeks to push the State of Israel to surrender to its enemies and jeopardize its security and future'. Culture Minister Miki Zohar, of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party, said on X that blocking roads and disrupting daily life 'is a serious mistake and a reward to the enemy'. Israeli police beefed up forces, saying no 'public order disturbances' would be tolerated. AFPTV footage showed protesters at a rally in Beeri, a kibbutz near the Gaza border that was one of the hardest-hit communities in the Hamas attack, and Israeli media reported protests in numerous locations across the country. The Israeli plans to expand the war into Gaza City and nearby refugee camps have sparked an international outcry as well as domestic opposition. UN-backed experts have warned of widespread famine unfolding in the territory, where Israel has drastically curtailed the amount of humanitarian aid it allows in. Hamas's October 2023 attack on Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. Israel's offensive has killed more than 61,897 Palestinians, most of them civilians, according to figures from the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza which the United Nations considers reliable.
L'Orient-Le Jour
a day ago
- Politics
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Protests held across Israel calling for end to Gaza war, hostage deal
Demonstrators took to the streets across Israel on Sunday, calling for an end to the war in Gaza and a deal to release hostages still held by militants, as the military prepares a new offensive. The protests come more than a week after Israel's security cabinet approved plans to capture Gaza City, following 22 months of war that have created dire humanitarian conditions in the Palestinian territory. The war was triggered by the Palestinian militant group Hamas's October 2023 attack on Israel, during which 251 people were taken hostage. 49 captives remain in Gaza, including 27 the Israeli military says are dead. A huge Israeli flag covered with portraits of the remaining captives was unfurled in Tel Aviv's so-called Hostage Square – which has long been a focal point for protests throughout the war. Demonstrators also blocked several roads in the city, including the highway connecting Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, where demonstrators set tires on fire and caused traffic jams, according to local media footage. Protest organizers and the main campaign group representing the families of hostages also called for a general strike on Sunday – the first day of the week in Israel. In Jerusalem and in Tel Aviv, many businesses were shut. "I think it's time to end the war. It's time to release all of the hostages. And it's time to help Israel recover and move towards a more stable Middle East," said Doron Wilfand, a 54-year-old tour guide, at a rally in Jerusalem. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum campaign group said in a statement that protesters would "shut down the country today (Sunday) with one clear call: Bring back the 50 hostages, end the war." Their toll includes a soldier killed in a 2014 war whose remains are held by Hamas. The forum plans to set up a protest tent near the Gaza border, vowing to "escalate our struggle and do everything possible to bring back our beloved ones." "If we don't bring them back now – we will lose them forever." 'Stay strong' Recent videos released by Hamas and its ally Islamic Jihad showing two weak and emaciated captives have heightened concern for the fate of the hostages. Egypt said in recent days mediators were leading a renewed push to secure a 60-day truce that would include hostage release, after the last round of talks in Qatar had ended without a breakthrough. Viki Cohen, whose son Nimrod is held in Gaza, said in a post on X addressing him: "I hope you have access to the media somewhere in the tunnels, and that you will see how the people of Israel pause life today for you and for the hostages. Stay strong, just a little more." Speaking at a rally in Tel Aviv, Israeli President Issac Herzog said "we want them back as soon as possible," calling for international pressure on Hamas. Some Israeli government members who oppose any deal with Hamas slammed Sunday's demonstrations. Israel's far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich decried "a perverse and harmful campaign that plays into the hands of Hamas." He argued that public pressure to secure a deal effectively "buries the hostages in tunnels and seeks to push the State of Israel to surrender to its enemies and jeopardise its security and future." Culture Minister Miki Zohar, of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party, said on X that blocking roads and disrupting daily life "is a serious mistake and a reward to the enemy." Israeli police beefed up forces, saying no "public order disturbances" would be tolerated. Famine warning AFPTV footage showed protesters at a rally in Beeri, a kibbutz near the Gaza border that was one of the hardest-hit communities in the Hamas attack, and Israeli media reported protests in numerous locations across the country. The Israeli plans to expand the war into Gaza City and nearby refugee camps have sparked an international outcry as well as domestic opposition. U.N.-backed experts have warned of widespread famine unfolding in the territory, where Israel has drastically curtailed the amount of humanitarian aid it allows in. Hamas's October 2023 attack on Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. Israel's offensive has killed more than 61,897 Palestinians, most of them civilians, according to figures from the Health Ministry in Gaza, which the United Nations considers reliable.
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
a day ago
- Politics
- First Post
Israelis rally nationwide demanding end to Gaza war and release of hostages ahead of new offensive
Demonstrators took to the streets across Israel Sunday calling for an end to the war in Gaza and a deal to release hostages still held by terrorists, as the military prepares a new offensive. Families and supporters of Israelis held hostage by Hamas militants in Gaza since the October 7, 2023 attacks, hold placards and national flags during a protest calling for government action to secure their release in Jerusalem on August 17, 2025. People staged demonstrations across Israel on Sunday urging an end to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the release of hostages as the military prepares for a new offensive in the Palestinian territory. The protests follow last week's approval by Israel's security cabinet to capture Gaza City, amid a conflict that has lasted nearly two years and caused significant humanitarian strain. The current war stems from Hamas's October 2023 attack on Israel which left 251 people in captivity. Israeli authorities say 49 remain held in Gaza including 27 confirmed dead. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In Tel Aviv, protesters displayed a massive Israeli flag covered with images of the hostages in Hostage Square, a long time rallying point for public demonstrations. Road blockages including the main highway between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, disrupted traffic as tires were set alight. Police reinforced their presence, announcing 32 arrests and warning that disruptions to public order would not be tolerated. Organisers of the protests, along with groups representing hostage families called for a general strike, prompting many businesses in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv to close for the day. 'I think it's time to end the war. It's time to release all of the hostages. And it's time to help Israel recover and move towards a more stable Middle East,' said Doron Wilfand, a 54-year-old tour guide, at a rally in Jerusalem. Meanwhile, Palestinian terrorists group Hamas said on Sunday that Israel's plan to relocate residents from Gaza City constitutes a 'new wave of genocide and displacement' for hundreds of thousands of residents in the area. The group said the planned deployment of tents and other shelter equipment by Israel into southern Gaza was a 'blatant deception'. The Israeli military has said it is preparing to provide tents and other equipment starting from Sunday ahead of its plan to relocate residents from combat zones to the south of the enclave 'to ensure their safety'. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Hamas said in a statement that the deployment of tents under the guise of humanitarian purposes is a blatant deception intended to 'cover up a brutal crime that the occupation forces prepare to execute'. Israel said earlier this month that it intended to launch a new offensive to seize control of northern Gaza City, the enclave's largest urban centre. The plan has raised international alarm over the fate of the demolished strip, which is home to about 2.2 million people. The war began when Hamas attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli authorities. About 20 of the remaining 50 hostages in Gaza are believed to be still alive. Israel's subsequent military assault against Hamas has killed over 61,000 Palestinians, Gaza's health ministry says. It has also caused a hunger crisis, internally displaced most of Gaza's population and left much of the enclave in ruins. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies
