Mass Protests Urge Netanyahu to OK US Ceasefire, Free Hostages

[CharlieH]

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Tens of thousands of protesters gathered in Tel Aviv, demanding the resignation of Benjamin Netanyahu and the immediate release of hostages. An estimated 120,000 people took to the streets of the Israeli city, urging the far-right governing coalition to accept a ceasefire deal proposed by Joe Biden on Friday, according to local media.

 

The proposed deal involves the staggered release of hostages captured on October 7—the day of Hamas's unprecedented attack on southern Israel, which resulted in 1,200 deaths—in exchange for a gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops from the besieged enclave of Gaza.

 

Clashes broke out between protesters and police, with reports indicating two arrests and 14 injuries as police employed a sound cannon to disperse the crowds. A water cannon was also reportedly deployed but not used during what is believed to be the largest demonstration against Netanyahu's government since the October 7 attack.

 

Hostage families voiced their concerns, stating that time to retrieve their loved ones was running out, as they organized gatherings in various cities across Israel. Approximately 120 of the 252 individuals taken hostage on October 7 are still believed to be in captivity. The attack spurred a retaliatory Israeli military campaign on Gaza, which, according to Palestinian health authorities, has devastated the territory, led to widespread starvation, and resulted in over 36,000 deaths.

 

As reported by Sky News

 

2024-06-02

 

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