JERUSALEM – Demonstrators in Israel are intensifying their efforts, urging the government to negotiate for the release of hostages held by militants in Gaza. On Sunday, they heightened their campaign by initiating a strike that caused traffic jams and closed businesses.
The strike, led by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, is a renewed effort after weeks of tension, following hostage videos released by militants and Israel hinting at a new offensive in Gaza.
Protesters fear further fighting could endanger the 50 hostages believed to remain in Gaza, only about 20 of whom are thought to be alive.
They chanted, “We don’t win a war over the bodies of hostages” and demanded a deal.
Netanyahu’s allies oppose any deal that leaves Hamas in power
“Today, we halt everything to rescue and return the hostages and soldiers. Today, we pause to honor the sanctity of life,” said Anat Angrest, whose son Matan is a hostage. “Today, we unite — from all political sides and perspectives.”
Although Histadrut, Israel’s major labor union, did not participate in Sunday’s strike, such widespread actions are uncommon in the country. Numerous businesses and local governments chose to join the strike independently.
Nonetheless, no resolution to the conflict appears imminent. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is demanding the hostages’ immediate release while navigating internal political pressures within his coalition. Far-right cabinet members refuse to endorse any agreement that leaves Hamas in control. Past ceasefires that resulted in hostage releases nearly toppled Netanyahu’s administration as these members threatened to withdraw support.
On Sunday, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich criticized the strike, labeling it “a detrimental campaign that benefits Hamas, entraps the hostages deeper underground, and pressures Israel towards surrendering, risking its security and future.”
Israeli airstrike hits power plant in Yemen
Israeli airstrikes hit Yemen’s capital Sunday, escalating strikes on Iran-backed Houthis, who since the war began have fired missiles at Israel and targeted ships in the Red Sea.
Both the IDF and a Houthi-run television station in Yemen announced the strikes. Al-Masirah Television said they targeted a power plant in the southern district of Sanhan, sparking a fire and knocking it out of service, the Yemeni station said. Israel’s military said Sunday’s strikes targeted energy infrastructure it claimed was being used by the Houthis, and were launched in response to missiles and drones aimed at Israel.
While some projectiles have breached its missile defenses — notably during its war with Iran in June — Israel has intercepted the vast majority of missiles launched from Yemen.
More tents sent to Gaza ahead of new displacement order
While demonstrators in Israel demanded a ceasefire, Israel began preparing for an invasion of Gaza City and other populated parts of the besieged strip, aimed at destroying Hamas.
The military body that coordinates its humanitarian aid to Gaza said Sunday that the supply of tents to the territory would resume. COGAT said it would allow the United Nations to resume importing tents and shelter equipment into Gaza ahead of plans to forcibly evacuate peopel from combat zones “for their protection.”
Tents and the majority of assistance has been blocked from entering Gaza since Israel imposed a total blockade in March after a ceasefire collapsed. Deliveries have since partially resumed, though aid organizations say the flow is far below what is needed. Some have accused Israel of “weaponizing aid” through blockades and rules they say turn humanitarian assistance into a tool of its political and military goals.
Israel’s air and ground war has already killed tens of thousands of people in Gaza and displaced most of the population. The United Nations is warning that levels of starvation and malnutrition in Gaza are at their highest since the war began.
The Hamas-led attack in 2023 killed around 1,200 people in Israel. Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed 61,897 people in Gaza, according to the Health Ministry, which does not specify how many were fighters or civilians but says around half were women and children.
The ministry is part of the Hamas-run government and staffed by medical professionals. The U.N. and independent experts consider it the most reliable source on casualties. Israel disputes its figures but has not provided its own.
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Melzer reported from Nahariya, Israel. AP writer Samy Magdy contributed from Cairo.
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