Protests and Pressure in Israel + Other Headlines

Protests and Pressure Over Proposed Ceasefire

Yesterday, Hamas said it had agreed to the terms of a ceasefire deal. But the events of the past 48 hours in Israel show that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is under immense pressure—regardless of what deal may be reached.

First, the protests: Twenty Israeli hostages are still being held by Hamas, and on Sunday, nationwide protests and a national strike were organized by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum in Israel. Demonstrators blocked roads and shut down businesses in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem after Israel’s war cabinet voted to occupy Gaza City and displace its population.

The turnout was huge, with potentially 500,000 demonstrators in Tel Aviv alone, and more than a million throughout Israel. All were demanding a ceasefire and hostage exchange. It was one of the largest protests in Israel since the Gaza war began. The conflict is about to enter its third year.

The pushback: At the same time, the hard-liners in Netanyahu’s coalition are already pushing back on any deal with Hamas. The latest 60-day ceasefire proposal doesn’t ensure the release of the hostages or the end of the war—at least in its first stage.