Title: Israel Witnesses Largest Protest Since Start of Current Gaza Conflict
Jerusalem, September 2, 2024 – Tens of thousands of Israelis took to the streets in the largest protest since the onset of the current Gaza conflict, following the death of six hostages in Gaza. The demonstration, which took place on September 1, was a direct appeal to the Israeli government to immediately reach a cease-fire agreement with the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) to secure the release of the remaining hostages.
Background of the Protest
The protest was sparked by the discovery of six Israeli hostages’ bodies in Gaza by Israeli forces. According to the Israeli Health Ministry spokesperson, autopsies confirmed that the hostages were killed by Hamas militants within 48 to 72 hours before the discovery, with multiple gunshot wounds at close range.
The愤怒情绪 among Israelis was fueled by their government’s failure to secure a cease-fire agreement. According to reports from Reuters and The Israel Times, the demonstration saw tens of thousands of people gather in Tel Aviv, with additional protests taking place across the country. The scale of the protest marked it as the largest since the新一轮巴以 conflict erupted last October.
Demands and Responses
Protesters demanded accountability from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and called for an immediate cease-fire with Hamas to rescue the remaining hostages. The government must act now to bring our people home safely, one protester’s sign read.
Netanyahu, however, remained defiant, stating that Israel would not rest until the perpetrators were brought to justice. Those who killed the hostages do not want a cease-fire, he said, suggesting that Hamas was responsible for the deadlock.
Hamas officials, on the other hand, placed the blame on Israel for refusing to sign a cease-fire agreement. Senior Hamas official Sammy Abu Zuhri stated that Israel should be held responsible for the death of the hostages.
Labor Union’s Call for National Strike
The growing anger among the Israeli public prompted the head of the Israeli Labor Federation, Arnon Bar-David, to call for a national strike on September 2. The strike was intended to pressure the government into reaching an agreement with Hamas.
Until there is a cease-fire and our hostages are safe, we will not stop demonstrating, Bar-David said in a statement.
Defense Minister’s Call for Cease-Fire
Amid the protests, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant urged Netanyahu to reach a cease-fire agreement with Hamas and to reconsider the cabinet’s decision to maintain a military presence in the Philadelphia Corridor along the Gaza-Egypt border. This corridor is seen as a major obstacle to reaching an agreement, as Israel wants to prevent Hamas from smuggling weapons from Egypt.
Netanyahu, however, stood by the decision, arguing that it was necessary for justice and that the government would not compromise on the Philadelphia Corridor even after the hostages were killed.
Hamas’s Stance
Hamas officials claimed that the six hostages could have returned home alive if Israel had agreed to a cease-fire. Khalil al-Hayya, a senior Hamas member, stated that Hamas had shown flexibility in negotiations, but Netanyahu had responded with evasions and new conditions. Hamas would not agree to a deal unless Israeli forces withdrew from the Nahal Oz Corridor and the Philadelphia Corridor.
Conclusion
The protest marked a significant moment in the ongoing conflict, highlighting the Israeli public’s growing frustration with the government’s handling of the situation. With 97 hostages still believed to be held in Gaza, the pressure on Netanyahu to secure their release and reach a lasting cease-fire continues to mount.
As the conflict rages on, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that can bring peace to the region and ensure the safety of all involved.
About the Author:
This article was written by a seasoned journalist with extensive experience at prominent news agencies, including Xinhua News Agency, People’s Daily, CCTV, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and others. The author aims to provide a balanced and comprehensive account of the ongoing conflict and its impact on the Israeli public.
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