Massive protests erupted across Israel on Sunday following the tragic deaths of six hostages in Gaza, intensifying public outrage over the government's failure to secure a ceasefire deal to free the remaining 101 captives.
The protests, with an estimated 500,000 participants, spanned Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and other cities, demanding that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu take more decisive action to ensure the hostages' release.
In Jerusalem, demonstrators blocked streets near the prime minister's residence, while Tel Aviv saw a major highway filled with protesters holding flags bearing images of the deceased hostages. Israeli police responded with water cannons to disperse the crowds, and 29 arrests were reported.
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The Israeli military announced the recovery of the bodies of six hostages from a tunnel in Rafah, southern Gaza. The hostages, including Carmel Gat, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Eden Yerushalmi, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi, and Ori Danino, were reportedly shot at close range by Hamas militants 48-72 hours before their bodies were found.
Netanyahu, facing increasing pressure to negotiate a ceasefire, vowed to pursue those responsible for the murders. However, Hamas officials blamed Israel’s refusal to agree to a truce for the deaths.
The ongoing conflict, which began after Hamas killed 1,200 people and captured 250 hostages in an October 7 attack, has resulted in widespread devastation in Gaza, where over 40,000 Palestinians have died.
Amid growing calls for a ceasefire, Israel’s trade unions announced a one-day general strike on Monday, aiming to pressure the government into securing a deal.
Despite ongoing mediation efforts by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt, no agreement has been reached. U.S. President Joe Biden expressed outrage over the deaths and continued to push for a resolution.
