Photo credit: Azer News
Dozens were arrested in Israel as protesters gathered outside politicians’ homes, military headquarters and on major highways to demand the Israeli government strike a deal for the release of hostages held in Gaza.
Euro News reports that the police arrested 38 people on Sunday during the demonstrations. Protesters gathered at dozens of points across the nation, including outside politicians’ homes, military headquarters, and on major highways. Police sprayed them with water cannon as they blocked roads. Some restaurants and theatres closed their doors for the day out of solidarity.
The demonstrations known as the “day of stoppage” were organized by groups representing the families of hostages and bereaved families. KIt comes after Israel announced plans for an expanded offensive in Gaza which protesters fear would further endanger the remaining hostages.
A former hostage, Arbel Yehoud said, “Military pressure doesn’t bring hostages back – it only kills them. The only way to bring them back is through a deal, all at once, without games.”
Although 50 hostages are believed to remain in Gaza, only about 20 of them are thought to be alive.
On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said one of Israel’s conditions for ending the ongoing war in Gaza is what he described as Israel’s “security control” over the Strip. However, the plan has been rejected by both the Palestinians and the international community.
Israel is pressing to remove Palestinians from combat zones to southern Gaza as plans move ahead for a military offensive in some of the territory’s most populated areas.
For over two weeks, international aid has been airdropped into Gaza. However, they are not adequate for the entire Strip, according to the UN and humanitarian agencies. They say the aid doesn’t reach those most in need and sometimes falls into the sea or red zones, and even overcrowded areas with tents injuring or killing people.
Tens of thousands have already been killed in Gaza and most of the Strip’s population has been displaced. The UN is warning that levels of starvation and malnutrition is the enclave are at their highest since the war began.
