Widespread protests in Israel against plans to expand military operations in Gaza

Thousands have taken to the streets across various cities in Israel to protest the government’s plan to expand military operations in Gaza. On Saturday (August 9), demonstrations were held in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and other locations, with family members of prisoners also participating.

Earlier, on Friday, Israel’s Security Cabinet approved five policies to end the war, including plans to take control of the Gaza Strip’s security. The Israeli military has announced preparations to take control of Gaza City.

Protesters fear that such measures will increase risks to the lives of detainees held in Gaza. At a rally in Tel Aviv, families of prisoners demanded immediate action for the release of detainees instead of escalating the war.

A former soldier participating in a protest in Jerusalem stated that he served in the military at the beginning of the conflict but is no longer willing to participate. He said, “More than 350 soldiers have refused to serve in this political war, which endangers the detainees and pushes Gaza’s civilians toward starvation.”

On Saturday night, protesters blocked the main Ayalon Highway in Tel Aviv and set fires in protest. Police arrested three individuals and confiscated materials used to start fires.

Israeli Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir also opposed the plan for full control of Gaza. He warned that it would be “a trap” and pose serious risks to the lives of living detainees.

Public opinion polls show that most Israelis support prisoner exchanges and ceasefire with Hamas. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted that freeing Gaza is the only way to safely return the detainees.

Multiple international organizations, including the United Nations, and countries such as the UK, France, Canada, and Germany have criticized Israel’s plans. Germany has announced a suspension of military exports, and the UN Security Council is set to hold an emergency meeting on Sunday to discuss the issue.

According to the Hamas-controlled Ministry of Health, in the past 24 hours, 59 people were killed and 363 injured in Gaza, including 35 who died while collecting food aid. Additionally, the death toll from malnutrition has risen to 217, including 100 children.

Israel claims Hamas is responsible for the starvation in Gaza. However, UN-supported food security experts have warned that the most severe famine situation in Gaza has already begun.