Thousands of Israeli Demonstrators Demand Netanyahu's Departure After Months of War

Thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv on Saturday, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following five months of conflict in Gaza.

Holding Out for Hostages' Release

The demonstrators, donning t-shirts and waving banners with the names and images of hostages taken during an attack by Hamas on October 7, urged swift action to free the remaining captives. The crowd chanted "Elections now!" and "Bring back the hostages now!" to voice their distress.

Toll of the Conflict

The war triggered by the attack in southern Israel has led to an estimated 1,160 deaths, predominantly civilians, as per a tally by AFP. In response, Israel's offensive against Hamas has resulted in the deaths of approximately 30,960 individuals in Gaza, with a majority being women and children, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-ruled territory.

Hostages' Fate Fuels Despair

Israel has reported that around 100 hostages are still alive in Gaza, while 31 are presumed dead. This fact has been a significant source of anguish for the demonstrators, reflecting the ongoing distress within the country.

Voices of Protest

One protester, Ora, a psychologist in her 60s, expressed, "We are a broken country," encapsulating the prevailing sentiment among the crowd. Meanwhile, Israel Alva, a former soldier now engaged in medical equipment sales, voiced an urgent need for a ceasefire, highlighting the absence of a clear "political plan" post-war.

Political Standoff

While mediators have been advocating for a new truce agreement before the commencement of the upcoming Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, US President Joe Biden acknowledged the challenging nature of achieving a breakthrough on Friday.

Call for Change

Shai Gill, a 50-year-old airline pilot, emphasized that Netanyahu's government, already under pressure due to extensive protests prior to the Gaza conflict, "cannot stay in power" following the events of October 7. He underscored the erosion of public trust in the government and advocated for new elections.

Protest Crackdown

Authorities detained 16 demonstrators for causing public disturbances during the rally, which resulted in the deployment of water cannons to disperse the crowd obstructing a highway. The scene echoed the mass protests against Netanyahu's contentious legal reforms preceding the conflict, illustrating the persistence of public discontent.

Legal and Political Turmoil

Prior to the war, Israel's top court overturned a fundamental element of the legal changes proposed by Netanyahu, a development that served as a setback for the prime minister. His opponents had cautioned that the reforms could potentially foster authoritarianism and aid in evading corruption charges against him.