Protests against the Israeli government's planned expansion of the fighting in the Gaza Strip took place across the country as the security cabinet meets to decide on the next steps in the conflict, which has been going on for 22 months, DPA reported, BTA reports.
In Jerusalem, demonstrators gathered in front of the official residence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, demanding an immediate agreement to release the hostages still being held by the "Hamas" group.
„The government must propose a comprehensive agreement that would return all 50 hostages home. "This is the only way to end the war," said the mother of one of the detainees, quoted by Yedioth Ahronoth.
Another protester warned: "Expanding the fighting is a deadly danger. Look us in the eye if you are ready to sacrifice the hostages."
Numerous demonstrations were also held in Tel Aviv, where protesters lit a large bonfire in front of the headquarters of the ruling Likud party. They demanded the immediate release of all hostages in Gaza.
According to Israeli authorities, about 50 people are still being held captive by Hamas, with about 20 of them believed to be alive.
Meanwhile, Hamas said that Prime Minister Netanyahu's statement about Israel's intention to take full military control of the Gaza Strip constitutes a "blow" to the ceasefire talks. According to the group, these actions show that Netanyahu is willing to sacrifice hostages to serve his personal interests.
The Israeli military has announced a new evacuation order for residents of two neighborhoods in Gaza City - "Daraj" and "Tufa" in the Old City.
"The IDF continues to operate in any area where terrorist activity is taking place or from which fire is being fired at Israel," an army spokesman said in a statement in Arabic on the social network "Ex".
"If you have not yet evacuated - "For your safety, immediately move south to the humanitarian zone in Al-Mawasi," the message added.