Tens of thousands have gathered outside the Israeli parliament building in Jerusalem, marking the largest anti-government demonstration since Israel’s Gaza campaign began.
Protesters demanded immediate governmental action to secure a ceasefire deal and the release of Israeli captives held by Hamas in Gaza, while also calling for early elections to address widespread discontent.
The demonstrators emphasized the historic scale of the Jerusalem protest since the conflict’s outbreak in October.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration faced severe criticism following a security lapse during the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, resulting in significant casualties and hostages taken to Gaza.
While a ceasefire brokered in November facilitated the release of over 100 hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, efforts to negotiate a new ceasefire and captive exchange have encountered obstacles.
Negotiations were anticipated to resume in Cairo on Sunday, although Hamas indicated uncertainty regarding the formation of a delegation.
Despite initial hopes for a pre-Ramadan ceasefire, progress has stalled, with the Muslim holy month already more than halfway through.
Demonstrator Einav Moses, whose father-in-law is among the captives, expressed frustration, suggesting the government’s failure to secure their release.
The protest, stretching for blocks around the Knesset, is set to continue for several days, with demonstrators vowing to sustain their presence by sleeping in tents in the city.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid joined the demonstration, criticizing Netanyahu for damaging Israel’s relations with the United States and failing to address the plight of the captives.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu, in a televised address ahead of hernia surgery, expressed empathy with the captive families and cautioned against calling for new elections, citing potential government paralysis for months.
He reiterated his commitment to a military offensive in Rafah, Gaza, despite U.S. pressure, emphasizing its necessity for achieving victory.
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