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Israeli Prime Minister Faces Growing Protests Over Captives in Gaza

Thousands protest in Tel Aviv, demanding Israel prioritise captive release over expanding the war, but Netanyahu’s coalition remains unshaken.

Thousands of Israelis took to the streets on Saturday night, gathering outside the Ministry of Defence in Tel Aviv to demand that the government prioritise securing the release of captives held in Gaza over expanding military operations.

The protests, led by the relatives of the hostages, come amid mounting public pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to negotiate a deal for the safe return of their loved ones. The captives have been held in Gaza for several months, and their families are urging the Israeli government to focus on diplomatic solutions rather than escalating the war.

Despite the passion and determination of the protesters, Israeli journalist Gideon Levy cautioned that the movement lacks the strength to challenge Netanyahu’s coalition. “It’s the same old protest, very courageous and devoted, but not big enough to influence Netanyahu,” Levy said in an interview with Al Jazeera. He further noted that a significant portion of Israeli society continues to support the war effort, which diminishes the impact of these protests.

The protests have become a regular occurrence, with families of captives and their supporters calling for immediate action to end the suffering. However, Netanyahu’s government has yet to make any significant shift in its approach, focusing instead on military objectives in Gaza.

As the protests continue, questions remain over how the government will balance the growing demands for the captives’ release with the ongoing military conflict.

Chioma Kalu

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