As the Israeli government approved a plan to fully occupy Gaza City, Hamas’s stronghold, the 22-month-long Israel-Hamas war has reached a critical juncture.
Amid widespread skepticism not only from the international community but also within Israel itself, mass protests have erupted around the world, calling for an immediate halt to the military operation.
According to Reuters and the Associated Press, tens of thousands of demonstrators flooded the streets of Tel Aviv on the night of August 9, urging the Israeli government to withdraw its Gaza City occupation plan and to secure the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
Citing a poll, Reuters reported that “an overwhelming majority of Israelis favor an immediate end to the war to secure the release of the remaining 50 hostages.”
On August 8, the Israeli Cabinet approved Prime Minister Netanyahu’s proposed plan to occupy Gaza City. However, Israel’s top leadership has voiced strong opposition.
Israeli Army Chief of Staff Rav Aluf Eyal Zamir warned during the cabinet meeting that the Gaza City occupation could “become a trap.”
He cited concerns that Israeli hostages could be endangered and that the operation lacks clear justification.
On August 8, UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a statement opposing the plan, saying it “could further endanger more lives, including of the remaining hostages.” On August 9, despite it being the weekend, the UN Security Council held an emergency meeting to discuss how to respond to Israel’s military operation.
The AP reported that on the same day, former US Trump administration Middle East envoy Avi Berkowitz met with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Spain to discuss a ceasefire proposal between Israel and Hamas.
