Israeli PM Netanyahu Under Pressure: Protests Demand Ceasefire and Hostage Release Amid Gaza Conflict

As the Gaza conflict enters its 19th month, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces growing domestic opposition for refusing to negotiate a ceasefire with Hamas. Thousands of Israelis, including hostage families and reservists, protest weekly, demanding an end to the conflict and the release of 59 hostages. Israeli airstrikes have killed over 51,200 people in Gaza, mostly civilians. Nearly 1,000 Israeli Air Force personnel and other military figures have called for a ceasefire. Despite international condemnation and legal challenges, Netanyahu insists on continuing military operations.

Growing Civilian Protests in Israel

On Saturday night, thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, calling for an immediate deal to secure the release of the 59 hostages still held in Gaza, 24 of whom are believed to be alive. The protest movement, which has gained momentum since the end of the Passover holidays, is now a regular fixture in Israeli public life. Former hostage Omer Shem Tov addressed the crowd, urging the government to “bring them all back now! And in one deal. And if this means to stop the war, then stop the war” Netanyahu says Israel has ‘no choice’ but to continue fighting in Gaza.

The demonstrations reflect a broader shift in public sentiment. A recent poll cited by NHK reported that 69% of Israelis support a permanent ceasefire with Hamas in exchange for the release of all hostages. The protests have also seen confrontations with police, particularly in central Israel, where demonstrators accuse Netanyahu of endangering the lives of hostages by continuing the military campaign イスラエルでは、ネタニヤフ首相がイスラム組織ハマスの壊滅に向けてガザ地区への攻撃を続けると表明.

Military and Security Sector Dissent

The opposition is not limited to civilians. Nearly 1,000 current and retired Israeli Air Force personnel have signed a letter demanding an end to the war in exchange for the hostages’ return. The petition has been echoed by over 200 military doctors, 150 naval officers, and 250 Mossad operatives, including three former senior officials. These voices represent a significant fracture in the once-unified security establishment Netanyahu Faces Public Anger Over Inhumane Gaza Policy.

Reservist groups have also joined the call for a ceasefire, challenging Netanyahu’s assertion that the war must continue until Hamas is completely dismantled. Critics argue that prolonging the conflict risks further loss of life and undermines Israel’s international standing.

Netanyahu’s Defiant Stance

Despite the growing domestic backlash, Netanyahu remains resolute. In a televised address on April 19, he rejected calls from hostage families and reservists to end the war, stating, “We are at a critical stage of the campaign, and at this point, we need patience and determination to win” Netanyahu vows to continue fighting in Gaza, angering hostages' families.

He reiterated that Israel would not yield to Hamas’s demands, which include a full withdrawal from Gaza, lifting the blockade, and initiating reconstruction. “If we surrender to Hamas’s demands now, all of the great achievements that our fighters have made will simply have been for naught,” Netanyahu said Netanyahu seeks to eliminate Hamas.

Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. On Sunday, Israeli airstrikes killed at least 25 people, including women and children, according to Gaza’s civil defense agency. The strikes targeted multiple areas across the enclave, including a drone attack in eastern Rafah that killed five civilians Gaza rescuers say Israeli air strikes kill 25.

Since Israel resumed its offensive on March 18, following the collapse of a two-month ceasefire, at least 1,827 Palestinians have been killed. The total death toll since the war began in October 2023 has reached 51,201, with the majority of victims being civilians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry and figures considered reliable by the United Nations.

Aid organizations have raised alarms over the worsening famine-like conditions in Gaza. The Israeli blockade, now in its sixth week, has prevented the entry of food and essential supplies. The United Nations reports that thousands of children are malnourished, and most residents are surviving on less than one meal per day Netanyahu says Israel has ‘no choice’ but to continue fighting in Gaza.

Hostage Negotiations at a Standstill

Efforts to negotiate a new ceasefire and hostage release deal have stalled. Hamas has expressed willingness to engage in “comprehensive package negotiations” that would include the release of all hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a cessation of hostilities, and the lifting of the blockade Thousands of Israelis rally in Tel Aviv to demand return of hostages.

However, Netanyahu has dismissed these terms as unacceptable, accusing Hamas of rejecting a recent proposal that would have freed half of the living hostages and returned the bodies of the deceased. “I believe we can bring our hostages home without surrendering to Hamas’s dictates,” he said Netanyahu vows to continue fighting in Gaza, angering hostages' families.

International Scrutiny and Legal Challenges

Israel’s military campaign has drawn international condemnation and legal scrutiny. The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza Thousands of Israelis rally in Tel Aviv to demand return of hostages.

Despite this, Netanyahu has doubled down on his broader regional strategy, referencing the establishment of “security zones” in Lebanon and Syria and reaffirming his commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

References

• Netanyahu says Israel has ‘no choice’ but to continue fighting in Gaza
• イスラエル ネタニヤフ首相の強硬姿勢に市民など反発広がる | NHK
• Israeli PM Netanyahu faces public anger over inhumane Gaza policy
• Netanyahu vows to continue fighting in Gaza, angering hostages' families
• Protests grow against Netanyahu's hardline stance on fighting Hamas | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News
• Gaza rescuers say Israeli air strikes kill 25
• Thousands of Israelis rally in Tel Aviv to demand return of hostages