Tensions rose in Israel on Sunday as a result of the killing of six Gaza hostages and the government’s inability to negotiate a ceasefire that would release Israeli captives.
Protests were widespread across the country.
Israeli media have reported crowds as high as 500,000 in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and other cities. Protesters are calling on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to do more to free the remaining 101 hostages, of whom approximately one-third have died, according to Israeli officials.
Protesters held a demonstration outside the prime minister’s residence and blocked streets in Jerusalem. Protesters waving flags bearing images of the murdered hostages thronged Tel Aviv’s main thoroughfare.
Local media reported 29 arrests.
Labour leaders called a one-day general strike on Monday.
The Israeli military announced the recovery of bodies from a tunnel in Rafah, southern Gaza, and the return of six hostages to Israel.
A forensic examination in Israel found that Hamas terrorists “murdered them in a number of shots at close range” 48-72 hours ago.
Amidst mounting demands for an end to the nearly eleven-month-long war and the release of all remaining hostages, Netanyahu has stated that Israel will not rest until it has captured those responsible. According to him, “Whoever murders hostages does not want a deal.”
The deaths, according to senior Hamas officials, were the result of Israel’s refusal to sign a ceasefire agreement.
