Israel Faces Mounting Pressure as Security Cabinet Approves Gaza City Seizure Despite Hostage Concerns
Tel Aviv, Israel - The Israeli Security Cabinet has authorized the seizure of Gaza City and a broadening of military operations in the devastated Palestinian territory, a move met with widespread public opposition and warnings from the military that it could jeopardize the remaining hostages held by militants. The decision, announced early Friday, has ignited a fresh wave of protests and international criticism, even from Israel's closest European allies.
The move comes as families of hostages plead for a negotiated end to the conflict. Leshay Miran Lafi, wife of hostage Omri Miran, issued a desperate appeal to former US President Donald trump to intervene and secure an immediate ceasefire, stating, "This is not just a military decision, but it may be a death sentence for our loved ones."
Public opinion in Israel overwhelmingly favors securing the release of the approximately 50 hostages still held in Gaza, with officials estimating around 20 remain alive. This sentiment is fueling growing discontent with the government's strategy.
"they are extremists. They are doing things against the interests of the country," declared Rami Dar, a 69-year-old resident outside Tel Aviv, reflecting a common frustration with the current leadership.
Massive demonstrations have erupted in Tel Aviv, with organizers claiming over 100,000 protesters participated in Saturday's rally demanding a ceasefire and a hostage release agreement. demonstrators carried Israeli flags and signs bearing the faces of hostages, while others expressed anger at the government and called for external intervention. Some protestors displayed images of Palestinian children killed during the conflict.
"Frankly, I am not an expert, but I feel that after two years of fighting, he did not have any success... I wonder if the departure of more lives from both sides, not only the Israelis, but also the residents of gaza, will make a difference," one demonstrator remarked.
The current conflict began with the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, mostly Israelis, and the abduction of 251 individuals. As then,over 400 Israeli soldiers have been killed in Gaza.
The Gaza ministry of Health reports that over 61,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces during the war, with at least 39 deaths reported on Saturday alone.
The Security Cabinet's decision is driven, in part, by pressure from far-right members of the ruling coalition who advocate for complete control of Gaza. However, the military has cautioned that such a move could endanger the hostages. Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a prominent figure on the right-wing, publicly criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu and called for the annexation of significant portions of Gaza.
Despite stating Israel does not intend to maintain a long-term presence in gaza, Prime minister Netanyahu told Fox News that the military plans to achieve complete control of the territory. The announcement from his office clarified only that Gaza City would be under Israeli control, leaving the future of the wider sector uncertain.
Critics argue that an expanded military operation will only exacerbate the humanitarian crisis and further endanger both Israeli soldiers and the remaining hostages. "The expansion of the war is terrible," said Tal, a 55-year-old high school teacher participating in the Tel Aviv march. "It will kill soldiers and hostages, and the war must end with the withdrawal of the army.We have nothing to do there. It is not our jurisdiction."
The release of the majority of hostages to date has been achieved through diplomatic negotiations,but ceasefire talks collapsed in July,leaving the fate of those still held in Gaza hanging in the balance. The escalating conflict and the security Cabinet's latest decision raise serious questions about the prospects for a peaceful resolution and the safety of those remaining captive.