Protests Demand Ceasefire as Israel Targets Hamas Amid Gaza Crisis

Lod, Israel (AP) – August 26: On Tuesday, demonstrators in Israel ignited tires and blocked highways, demanding a ceasefire to release hostages still in Gaza. Despite these protests, Israeli leadership is moving forward with an offensive they claim is necessary to dismantle Hamas.

This tension arises as Palestinians in Gaza prepare for increased military advances amidst severe displacement, widespread destruction, and emerging famine conditions in parts of the region.

The protests came after Israel's recent deadly strike on Gaza's main hospital, resulting in the death of 20 individuals, including medical staff and journalists such as Mariam Dagga from The Associated Press.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to attend a security cabinet meeting on Tuesday. Although it's uncertain whether ceasefire discussions will occur, Netanyahu has stated that Israel plans to intensify operations in Gaza City while pursuing ceasefire negotiations. However, Israel has yet to assign a negotiating team for the proposed plan.

Netanyahu maintains that the military offensive is crucial for weakening Hamas and ensuring the return of hostages. Nonetheless, families of those hostages are advocating for negotiations.

Ruby Chen, father of Itay Chen, a dual Israeli-American citizen whose body is held in Gaza, said, “Go back to the negotiation table. There's a good deal on the table. It's something we can work with.” Hamas seized 251 hostages on October 7, 2023, most of whom have been released during ceasefires. Israel has only managed to rescue eight hostages alive, with 50 still in Gaza, and 20 believed to be alive.

Protesters, responding to the Hostages and Missing Families Forum's call for a “National Day of Struggle,” bore banners stating “Hostage Deal Now.”

Relatives of the hostages hope that persistent pressure can spur Netanyahu and his cabinet towards ceasefire commitments, although far-right coalition members have threatened to withdraw if a truce is agreed upon.

Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan was taken from an Israeli kibbutz, criticized Netanyahu's approach. “We could have ended the war a year ago and brought all the hostages and soldiers home. The prime minister chose, again and again, to sacrifice civilians for the sake of his rule.”

Amid calls for a ceasefire, Israel's recent attack on a hospital in southern Gaza killed at least five journalists and 15 others, provoking international condemnation. Netanyahu labeled the incident as a “tragic mishap” and promised an investigation.

The majority of victims died after rushing to offer aid following a first explosion, only to be struck by a second. Cameras from multiple networks captured the event.

As Israel prepares to expand offensives in densely populated areas of northern Gaza, the military has urged evacuations towards safe zones to target Hamas and avert similar attacks to those on October 7, 2023, which claimed 1,200 lives and ignited the conflict.

On Tuesday, Israeli strikes resulted in the deaths of at least 16 Palestinians, according to local hospitals, with casualties including families, women, and children.

Gaza's Health Ministry additionally reported three deaths due to malnutrition and starvation, raising the count to 186 since June, among them 117 children since the conflict began.

According to Gaza's Health Ministry, the conflict has claimed 62,819 lives, with around half represented by women and children. Although Israel disputes these figures, it has not provided alternative casualty data.

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