Popular Protests and General Strike in Israel to Pressure for Ending the War and Releasing Prisoners

Israel is witnessing a wave of widespread protests coinciding with a general strike called by activists and families of prisoners, in an attempt to push the government to stop the war in Gaza and reach a comprehensive exchange deal. In contrast, the government accuses the protesters of "strengthening Hamas's position" and delaying the release of prisoners.

Thousands of Israelis took to the streets in several cities, blocking major roads and participating in massive marches, especially in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, where clashes occurred between protesters and police forces, resulting in dozens of arrests. According to the "Families of Prisoners Forum," about half a million people gathered in the Prisoners' Square in central Tel Aviv to demand an urgent deal for the release of those held in Gaza.

In an escalation of the protests, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the ruling "Likud" party headquarters and set fires, leading to heightened tensions between them and security forces who prevented them from entering the building.

For his part, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his rejection of the protesters' demands, considering that the call to stop the war without achieving its objectives "strengthens Hamas's position and delays the return of prisoners." Opposition leader Yair Lapid responded by saying that the continuation of the current government is what strengthens Hamas, calling for a change in Israeli policies.

While internal protests escalate, Israel continues its military operations in Gaza, where the Chief of Staff of the Israeli army announced that the forces are prepared to begin a "new phase" of Operation "Gideon's Chariots" in the city of Gaza, confirming that the military operation has significantly weakened Hamas's capabilities.

At the same time, Israeli shelling on the sector continued, resulting in dozens of casualties, including civilians who were killed while waiting for humanitarian aid north of Rafah, according to local reports. Residential areas and hospitals were also subjected to heavy shelling, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the besieged sector.

The Israeli military escalation in Gaza has drawn widespread condemnation from the international community, amid warnings of catastrophic humanitarian consequences as the war continues, which has caused immense destruction and thousands of casualties since it began in October 2023.