Public Outrage Grows as Six Israeli Hostages Found Dead in Gaza
Public discontent with the Netanyahu government has reached new heights following the discovery of six Israeli hostages found dead in Gaza. Tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets of Israel demanding an immediate ceasefire deal from the government after the grim revelation.
Israel’s largest trade union has called for a nationwide strike to shut down the entire Israeli economy, while rights organizations are urging the government to sign a hostage-ceasefire deal. The massive Sunday demonstrations, described as an endless sea of protesters, saw around 300,000 people in Tel Aviv and 200,000 in other cities across the country.
Protesters in Tel Aviv marched to the Israel Defense Forces headquarters, chanting for the safe return of the hostages and placing symbolic coffins at the site. The frustration intensified when it was revealed that three of the deceased hostages were meant to be released as part of a ceasefire proposal back in July. The protests turned violent later in the evening, with clashes between demonstrators and police resulting in arrests and injuries.
Amidst the growing unrest, political commentator Sri Goldberg warned that Netanyahu should be concerned as the tragic incident has shed light on the government’s controversial policies. Hamas, on the other hand, has accused the IDF of deliberately killing the hostages, claiming they were alive and set for release before their untimely deaths.