The decision by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office to authorize the control of Gaza City has triggered a wave of protests across Israel. The plan, condemned globally, is now facing significant internal opposition. Thousands of Israelis demonstrated in Tel Aviv and other locations on Saturday, voicing their dissent and demanding a hostage agreement and a ceasefire before the commencement of the military operation.
The families of the hostages have vehemently opposed the plan, warning of potential fatal consequences. The United Nations has expressed concern that a full military occupation could lead to ‘devastating consequences’ for both Palestinian civilians and Israeli hostages. The British Ambassador has also voiced concerns, calling it ‘a very big mistake’.
These protests mark one of the largest displays of public opposition in recent times. The military itself also expressed reservations about the plan to occupy Gaza, citing concerns about the safety of hostages, the risks to soldiers, and the exacerbation of the humanitarian crisis. Public disapproval has escalated, with citizens openly protesting the decision.
During a press briefing held before the rallies on Saturday, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum declared, ‘A red flag is waving over the government’s decision to sacrifice our loved ones.’ The forum implored decision-makers to ‘reach a comprehensive hostage agreement, stop the war, bring back our loved ones, their time is up.’
The plan’s objectives involve disarming Hamas, securing the return of all hostages, demilitarizing the Gaza Strip, controlling the area’s security, and establishing a new civilian administration not affiliated with Hamas or the Palestinian Authority.
The Israeli military stated, ‘The Israeli Defense Forces will prepare to control Gaza City while providing humanitarian assistance to the civilian population outside the war zones.’
