Thousands of Israelis took to the streets of Jerusalem for the second consecutive night, demanding the release of hostages held in Gaza and the resignation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The protesters blocked a main city highway, lit fires, and waved Israeli flags in front of the Israeli parliament.
Police used water cannon to disperse the crowd, as protesters chanted for Netanyahu to step down. The demonstration in Jerusalem was described as the largest since the conflict in Gaza began in October. Families of the hostages vowed to continue their nightly protests until their loved ones are brought home.
In Tel Aviv, protesters blocked the main motorway for nearly two hours, while others gathered outside Netanyahu’s residence, calling for his resignation. Dana Rabfogel Shor, a protester from Tel Aviv, expressed frustration with Netanyahu’s leadership and handling of the recent Hamas attack.
The ongoing protests reflect a growing discontent with Netanyahu’s government and its response to the hostage crisis. Many demonstrators held signs blaming Netanyahu for the situation and demanding immediate elections. The recent conflict with Hamas has left a devastating toll on both sides, with thousands of lives lost.
As pressure mounts on Netanyahu, the calls for his resignation and the release of the hostages continue to grow louder. The protests in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv are a clear indication of the public’s dissatisfaction with the current government and its handling of the crisis.