Nadene Goldfoot
Hundreds of thousands of people have gathered in Israel to call for an end to the Gaza war and a deal to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas.
The largest crowd was seen in Tel Aviv's "Hostages Square" on Sunday, with the organizers saying the government's plans to seize control of Gaza City risked the lives of around 20 hostages still being held by Hamas.
A one-day national strike - part of wider protests - closed roads, offices and universities in some areas. Nearly 40 people were arrested during the day.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the protests, saying they would "harden Hamas's stance" and would only slow down the release of the hostages.
Far-right Israeli minister Bezalel Smotrich also denounced the protests, describing them as a "harmful campaign that plays into the hands of Hamas".
In Tel Aviv, riot police violently broke up a protest outside the headquarters of the prime minister's Likud party. The clashes in the city followed what was thought to have been the largest rally in 22 months of war. Smaller protests took place across Israel.
The national strike was demanded by the families of hostages and others opposed to the expansion of the war.
During the same time, IDF has not been idle.
- The Israeli military dealt with dozens more Hamas or Palestinians, including aid seekers, as it began displacing people from Gaza City towards the southern parts of the besieged enclave. According to the channel, Sabra, a neighbourhood in the south of Gaza City, is under attack. Residential neighbourhoods in the southern cities of Rafah and Khan Younis are also currently being shelled.
- 2. Front: Israeli soldiers and the population nearby launched attacks on Palestinians across Judea and Samaria, including an incursion by special forces who picked up two young men from Ramallah for questioning.
- Gaza: Israel is engaged in ongoing military operations against Hamas in the Gaza Strip following the October 7, 2023, attacks.
- Lebanon: Israel is involved in conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon, marked by cross-border attacks and Israeli military operations. A ceasefire was established in late 2024, but tensions remain.
- Syria: Israel has conducted airstrikes and other military operations in Syria, targeting Iranian and Iran-aligned forces, and following the fall of the Assad regime, Israel invaded and occupied parts of the Golan Heights and other areas along the border.
- Yemen: Israel is targeting the Houthi rebels in Yemen in response to Houthi attacks on Israel and shipping in the Red Sea.
- Iraq: Iranian-backed militias in Iraq have launched attacks against Israel, leading to Israeli retaliation.
- Iran: Israel and Iran have engaged in direct military attacks on each other's territory.
- The West Bank: Judea/Samaria Israel faces violence and unrest in the West Bank involving Palestinian militants, Israeli forces, and settlers.
Hundreds of people attended the memorial at the capital’s central square Maidan to honor 39-year-old David Chichkan, a popular artist turned soldier who died after a Russian drone strike hit his frontline unit earlier this month.“After thousands of people died in this war, it feels like we’re just being sold out now,” said Oleksandra Grygorenko, 45, a fan of Chichkan from the city of Poltava.
Resource:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce93y2dxlg4o
https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/trump-ukraine-zelensky-russia-putin-08-18-25
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