As of: March 31, 2024, 2:24 p.m
By: Christoph Gschoßmann
Comments
Press
Split
In Israel, frustration over the unresolved hostage situation is turning into massive demonstrations. Prime Minister Netanyahu is at the center of criticism.
Tel Aviv – Benjamin Netanyahu is coming under increasing pressure. Thousands of people protested in Tel Aviv against the Israeli head of government and for the release of the Israeli hostages in the Gaza Strip. At their weekly rally on Saturday evening (March 30, 2024), the families of the hostages also called for demonstrations in front of the parliament building in Jerusalem next week.
Constant protests in Tel Aviv and Netanyahu as the culprit
Shira Elbag, whose 19-year-old daughter Liri was kidnapped by Hamas fighters in the Gaza Strip during the radical Islamic Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, called on her compatriots in an emotional speech to increase the pressure on Netanyahu. “It’s time to go out and fight against indifference and for life,” she said. "I now ask you to take to the streets with us and say with a unified and clear voice: 'Bring her home now!'"
People at a rally in Tel Aviv. © Maya Alleruzzo/AP/dpa
Like every Saturday, the relatives of the hostages and their supporters gathered in a square in Tel Aviv, which they renamed “Hostages Square”. This week, a second demonstration took place in front of the Defense Ministry, which was explicitly directed against Netanyahu's government. Some demonstrators held signs directly blaming Netanyahu for the hostages' unknown fate. Next to his photo was the caption: “You’re the boss, it’s your fault.”
Isreaelis angry over unresolved hostage situation in Gaza
Police blocked Begin Road in Tel Aviv as protesters lit bonfires outside the Kirya military headquarters. These protests have already seen serious clashes between police and demonstrators, with police deploying additional forces. Protesters shouted
“shame” as police tried to push them away from central bonfires on Begin Road, according to the
Jerusalem Post
. Protesters shouted “Shame on you” in front of Netanyahu’s front door.
The German-Israeli Raz Ben Ami, who was released by Hamas in November during a ceasefire brokered by Qatar and the USA, also appealed to Netanyahu to speed up talks about the release of the remaining hostages. “Order negotiators in Qatar not to return without a deal,” she said. Elbag added: “After 176 days, the excuses are over.” New negotiations between Israel and Hamas were recently announced in Doha and Cairo, Egypt.
My news
NATO fighter jets rise: Russian planes intercepted over the Baltic Sea
Quake in the construction industry: Read the bankruptcy of a large German real estate company
After 20 years, the citizen's benefit recipient finally finds work - two days later he is already annoyed
If this dinosaur appears on the Edeka price tag, you need to act quickly
Wages instead of citizens' money: Jobcenter starts unusual reading campaign
New regulation applies from April: Read what you have to do to continue using WhatsApp
In Tel Aviv, demonstrators blocked a highway. © Maya Alleruzzo
Demonstrators in Tel Aviv block highway
The highway in Tel Aviv was also blocked by the demonstrators. The police used water cannons. The protesters had lit the fires and blocked both lanes with trucks and sit-ins. According to media reports, there were also small protests against the government in other cities. In Jerusalem, hundreds gathered outside Netanyahu's residence and demanded his resignation. According to
the Jerusalem Post,
there were a total of 1,500 demonstrators in the capital.
(cgsc with afp)