From Hadash ( the Democratic Front for Peace and Equality)
In Tel Aviv, Hundreds of thousands protested as tens of thousands protested the far-right government’s decision to expand the genocidal war in Gaza with a campaign to occupy Gaza City, rather than sign a deal to return the hostages. The rally stage in the Hostage Square reported 400,000 participants – the largest protest since the war began in October 2023.
Elad Or, the brother of the kidnapped martyr Dror, spoke at the rally and said: “I am Elad. The brother of the kidnapped martyr Dror Or, who was murdered in Bari with his wife Yonath. Three of my nephews who were kidnapped – Alma, Noam and Liam Or were released in a deal in 2023.” He referred to the day of the strike and said, “The citizens of Israel stood up with us this morning and proved that this is not just another day. The widespread popular strike swept the streets and hearts and brought to light the truth: Israelis want the kidnapped at home.” Or added that the Israeli public has no choice but to continue to resist and fight together, as the costs of war have become unbearable “for Israeli society and for the residents of Gaza.”
After the rally, large groups of protesters took to the streets throughout the city, blocking major intersections and stopping traffic on the Ayalon Highway for the fourth time. Then, they lit a bonfire outside the Likud party headquarters at Zeev Fortress on King George Street. Police said they arrested six protesters in Tel Aviv after they allegedly physically clashed with police.
On Saturday evening, tens of thousands protested for an Israel-Hamas agreement to end the war in Gaza. As in previous weeks, a central rally was held at Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, alongside a demonstration outside the Israeli Defense Ministry. A silent vigil will also take place in Tel Aviv, where hundreds of participants hold signs displaying the names and photos of children from Gaza who have been killed during the war. Additional protests were held in Jerusalem, Haifa, Be’er Sheva, and at several intersections and locations across the country.
Einav Zangauker, mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, says at a protest held Saturday that the nationwide strike is “only the beginning.” “One of the things I learned in this struggle is that the government is afraid of public pressure,” Zangauker told the crowd. “Tomorrow is just the beginning,” she vowed. “We are done waiting for Netanyahu to end the war when it is politically convenient for him.” She made the remarks at the rally on Tel Aviv’s Begin Road in front of the army’s headquarters.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sharply criticized the nationwide protests, calling them part of the Day of Strike and Disruption and claiming they risk a repeat of the events of October 7. In response, Einav Tsengauker, who was a hostage in Gaza, attacked the prime minister: “Netanyahu’s toxic and detached words only prove how stressed he is by the demonstrations. I call on everyone – get out!”
Articles translated can be found here and here
