More than 100,000 Israelis march in Jerusalem to demand the release of hostages

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Massive anti-government protests erupted in front of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, with drone footage showing some 100,000 people gathered to demand early elections and the release of hostages kidnapped by Hamas. The protesters, joined by relatives of the captives, condemned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the war in the Gaza Strip, which has been ongoing for nearly six months.

The demonstrations marked the largest protest in Israel since the conflict began, with organizers estimating the crowd at 100,000 strong. Among the protesters were family members of the hostages, who urged for a change in leadership to expedite negotiations for their release.

Netanyahu, while speaking to the media, dismissed calls for early elections, stating that it would only hinder efforts to bring the hostages back and benefit Hamas. He emphasized the security risks posed by the demands of the Islamist group in negotiations.

Critics of the prime minister, including opposition leader Yair Lapid, condemned the government’s decision to proceed with a six-week recess for the Knesset amid the ongoing crisis. The protests also saw the participation of various Israeli groups, including reserve soldiers demanding ultra-Orthodox recruitment and an end to the exemption from military service.

As tensions continue to escalate, Netanyahu faces both domestic and international pressure to address the crisis in Gaza. The prime minister, who underwent surgery for a hernia on Sunday, expressed confidence in reaching a resolution through political agreements.

Meanwhile, in the Gaza Strip, a devastating Israeli bombardment at the Martyrs of al Aqsa Hospital left journalists injured and two people dead, bringing the total number of casualties since the start of the war to nearly 32,800. The dire humanitarian situation in Gaza has led to concerns of famine, with children being particularly vulnerable.

The protests and violence underscore the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, as Israel grapples with internal strife and international scrutiny over its handling of the crisis in Gaza.