Sun, 16 February 2025
The Daily Ittefaq

Massive rallies urge Netanyahu to resign

Update : 07 Apr 2024, 09:46

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Israeli cities to protest against the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Demonstrators called for more efforts to negotiate the release of hostages held by the Palestinian Islamist militant group Hamas.

Chants of "elections now" were heard at the protests, with many demonstrators demanding Netanyahu's resignation.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid took part in a rally in the city of Kfar Saba in central Israel.

"They haven't learnt anything, they haven't changed," he said at that rally. "Until we send them home, they won't give this country a chance to move forward."

Israeli media said clashes broke out between protesters and police at a rally in Tel Aviv. Police said one protester was arrested.

Six months ago, Hamas launched attacks on southern Israel in which almost 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed, and 250 people were taken hostage.

In response, Israel launched an offensive in the Gaza Strip in which at least 33,000 people have been killed, according to the Gaza Health Ministry in the Hamas-run territory. The ministry's toll does not differentiate between civilians and combatants. 

According to Israeli estimates, 129 hostages are still being held in Gaza, including 34 who are believed to be dead. A November cease-fire deal resulted in the release of 105 hostages. 

Before the start of the war between Israel and Hamas in October, Netanyahu's government had already faced mass protests over a controversial judicial reform.

More on this topic

More on this topic