Tel Aviv/Gaza: Massive protests erupted across Israel on Tuesday as public anger mounted over the government’s handling of the Gaza conflict and the plight of hostages still held by Hamas. The demonstrations coincided with growing international condemnation of an Israeli strike on a Gaza hospital that killed at least 20 people, including journalists and medical workers.

Hospital Strike Sparks Global Backlash

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) admitted the strike hit a hospital but claimed that six of those killed were Hamas operatives. Officials said the intended target was a camera system allegedly set up by Hamas to monitor Israeli military movements. The attack has triggered outrage from media organizations, with executives from AP and Reuters demanding accountability in a letter to Israeli authorities. Foreign journalists are barred from entering Gaza independently.

Streets of Tel Aviv Flooded with Protesters

Organizers estimated that more than 350,000 people joined a massive rally in Tel Aviv, capping a nationwide “day of struggle.” Demonstrators blocked highways, waved flags and carried signs demanding a ceasefire and a deal to bring hostages home.

“The entire nation demands an end to the war and the return of all hostages,” said the Hostages and Missing Families Forum. Relatives of hostages accused the government of prolonging the conflict instead of prioritizing negotiations.

Netanyahu Under Pressure

The protests came as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet met to discuss the war, though sources said no major decisions were reached. Another meeting is expected Sunday to debate a proposed occupation of Gaza City, a move critics warn would deepen the crisis.

“Occupying Gaza is the opposite of the right decision,” said Nira Sharabi, whose husband died while held captive. “It’s the opposite of reunification, the opposite of ending this nightmare.”

Macron Rebukes Netanyahu

Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron publicly rejected Netanyahu’s accusation that recognizing a Palestinian state fuels antisemitism. In a strongly worded letter, Macron argued that the path to peace requires a Palestinian state, warning that Israel’s policies of occupation, displacement and annexation risk isolating the country and endangering Jewish communities worldwide.

He urged Netanyahu to abandon what he called a “deadly and illegal headlong rush into a permanent war in Gaza.”

Image Source: Google | Image Credit: Respective Owner