By Israel has initiated a military operation in the Gaza Strip city of Rafah, with Israeli forces targeting various locations in the area, according to official statements released on Monday.
The decision to proceed with the operation came mere hours after Hamas announced its acceptance of an Egyptian-Qatari cease-fire proposal, which had the potential to bring an end to the seven-month-long conflict in Gaza.
On Monday night, thousands of Israelis protested across the country against the government’s actions, demanding the immediate release of the hostages still in the Gaza Strip.
The demonstrations took place as Israel’s war cabinet voted to start the operation in Rafah, claiming that the ceasefire proposal that Hamas had accepted earlier in the evening did not meet Israel’s requirements.
In Tel Aviv, approximately 1,000 protesters gathered near Israel’s military headquarters, with some blocking the city’s main highway well into the night.
Police officers attempted to clear the road, physically removing some protesters and extinguishing fires set during the demonstration.
Additional officers on horseback surrounded the crowds, who chanted “deal now!” as they called for a resolution to the hostage situation.
Meanwhile, hundreds of protesters in Jerusalem marched toward the residence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, demanding a hostage deal.
They carried a banner that read “the blood is on your hands,” emphasizing their belief in the government’s responsibility for the current situation.
Smaller-scale protests also took place in the cities of Haifa, Beersheba, and Raanana, highlighting the widespread concern among the Israeli population regarding the ongoing conflict and the fate of the hostages.
Haim Peri’s grandson Mai Albini Peri stood in front of Netanyahu’s house holding a sign that read, “Rafah, not at the expense of my grandfather.”
His presence served as a poignant reminder of the personal toll the conflict has taken on Israeli families.
As of now, Israeli police have not provided information regarding the number of individuals arrested during the protests.
The military operation in Rafah and the subsequent protests underscore the complex and emotionally charged nature of the conflict in Gaza, as well as the urgent need for a resolution that addresses the concerns of both the Israeli government and its citizens.
Credit: AP.com
