Demonstrators in Jerusalem call for end to Gaza offensive

Protesters have gathered in Jerusalem calling for an end to the conflict in Gaza and the safe return of the captives, Africanews via Euronews reported on September 19th.

The protest comes as Israel has pushed on with an intense ground offensive in Gaza City which has led to almost 250,000 Palestinians fleeing according to the UN. The offensive has seen the Israeli army take control of 40% of Gaza City.

Extensive areas of the city were destroyed in previous raids and hundreds of thousands are still trapped. An explosive device killed four Israeli soldiers during a military operation in Rafah, which amounts to the first casualties since the recent offensive started.

The protest is one of many that have occurred in Israel recently. On August 17th thousands took to the streets to demand an end to the Gaza conflict, with protesters claiming the government’s plans to seize Gaza City puts the lives of around 20 hostages still being held by Hamas at risk. The protest was met with condemnation from Israeli politicians including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who stated they would “harden Hamas’s stance” and impede the liberation of captives.

Another major demonstration against the Gaza offensive occurred in Tel Aviv on August 26th where former hostage Sharon Alone Cunio insisted an agreement for hostage release had already been drawn up and called on the government to implement it immediately.

These protests were part of a widening campaign which included unrest on July 24th in Tel Aviv’s Habima square which saw thousands of demonstrators calling on the Israeli government to reach a deal to end the Gaza conflict.

Despite this, the Israeli government continues with its ground assault on Gaza City with one politician, Amit Halevi claiming he wishes to “cleanse [Gaza] of the enemy.”

Hamas militants killed around 1200 people and abducted 251 individuals on October 7th 2023. Israel says around 20 of the 48 remaining hostages are still alive. Israel’s military offensive has caused the deaths of at least 65,141 Palestinians according to the enclave’s ministry of health.