Israeli Protesters Block Highways, Demand Cease-Fire to Bring Hostages Home After 9 Months

Photo : Reuters

TEL AVIV, Israel - On Sunday, marking nine months since the start of the Gaza war, Israeli protesters staged demonstrations across the country, blocking highways and demanding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's resignation. They also urged for a cease-fire that could facilitate the return of hostages held by Hamas.

International mediators, including Egyptian and Hamas officials, indicated over the weekend that Hamas may have dropped a key demand for a commitment from Israel to end the conflict. This development potentially paves the way for a temporary cessation of hostilities, the first since November, and sets the stage for further negotiations.

The conflict began when the Palestinian militant group Hamas initiated a cross-border attack on October 7, resulting in 1,200 deaths and the abduction of 250 individuals. In response, Israel launched a comprehensive air and ground offensive, resulting in over 38,000 Palestinian casualties, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians. The conflict has inflicted widespread damage and triggered a humanitarian crisis.

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The "Day of Disruption" commenced at 6:29 AM, marking the exact moment when Hamas militants first launched rockets towards Israel in October. Protesters not only blocked major roads but also demonstrated outside the residences of Israeli parliament members.

Near the Gaza border, demonstrators released 1,500 black and yellow balloons symbolizing those killed and abducted during the conflict.

Hannah Golan, a protester, expressed frustration over what she described as the government's neglect of their communities: "It’s been nine months since this dark day, and our government still hasn't taken responsibility."

Despite the release of more than 100 hostages as part of a November cease-fire agreement, approximately 120 individuals remain captive. Israel fears that more hostages may have perished as the conflict persists.

Prime Minister Netanyahu had previously expressed openness to a temporary cessation of hostilities as part of a hostage exchange deal. However, he reiterated Israel's determination to achieve its objectives of dismantling Hamas' military and governance capabilities and ensuring the safe return of all hostages.

Meanwhile, violence continued in Gaza, with reports of nine Palestinians killed in Israeli airstrikes overnight into Sunday. Among them, six Palestinians died in central Gaza after airstrikes hit a house in Zawaida. In another incident, an airstrike west of Gaza City claimed the lives of three individuals, according to Hamas-linked civil defense sources in Gaza.

On Saturday, an Israeli airstrike on a school-turned-shelter in the Nuseirat refugee camp resulted in at least 16 fatalities and 50 injuries, as reported by the Gaza Health Ministry. The Israeli military stated that it targeted Hamas militants and had taken measures to minimize civilian casualties.

Early Sunday, Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group, launched about 20 projectiles towards northern Israel, striking areas over 30 kilometers (20 miles) from the border. The attacks resulted in the serious injury of a 28-year-old Israeli man in Kfar Zeitim, near Tiberias, according to Israel’s national rescue service.

The exchange of fire followed an Israeli airstrike targeting a vehicle on Saturday, which resulted in the death of an engineer from Hezbollah's air defense unit. Hezbollah acknowledged the engineer's death but did not disclose further details about his role.

Tensions between Hezbollah and Israeli forces have escalated over the past nine months, leading to frequent clashes that risk sparking broader regional conflict and posing grave humanitarian risks on both sides of the border.

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