Thousands protest in Israel against Gaza occupation plan

Thousands of protesters gathered in Jerusalem and other Israeli cities, including Haifa and Tel Aviv, to voice opposition to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government plan to fully occupy Gaza City.

Marchers, many supporting hostages held in Gaza, marched towards Netanyahu’s residence, expressing anger over the planned military escalation. Among them was former soldier Max Kresch, who carried a sign reading “I refused,” Caliber.Az reports, citing UK media. 

He stated to the BBC that over 350 soldiers who served during the conflict are refusing to continue participating in what they call Netanyahu’s “political war.”

The Israeli security cabinet approved a plan that includes five key principles to end the conflict: disarming Hamas, returning all hostages, demilitarising the Gaza Strip, taking security control of the territory, and establishing an alternative civil administration independent of both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority.

The decision to expand military operations in Gaza sparked international condemnation. The United Nations, along with countries such as the UK, France, Australia, Turkey, Germany, Finland, and Canada, warned that a full military takeover could lead to “catastrophic consequences” for Palestinian civilians and Israeli hostages.

By Khagan Isayev