Protests intensify in Israel against plan to expand Gaza warpublished at 13:38 British Summer Time
Image source, Getty ImagesThousands of protesters have taken to the streets across Israel to oppose the government’s newly announced plan to expand its military operation in the Gaza Strip.
Protesters, including family members of 50 hostages in Gaza – 20 of whom are still thought to be alive – fear the plan puts the lives of hostages at risk, and urged the government to secure their release.
Israeli leaders have rejected criticism of their plan, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying “this will help free our hostages”.
A group representing families of the hostages said on X: “Expanding the fighting endangers the hostages and the soldiers – the people of Israel are not willing to risk them!”
Among the protesters in Jerusalem was former soldier Max Kresch who said he is now refusing to serve.
“We’re over 350 soldiers who served during the war and we’re refusing to continue to serve in Netanyahu’s political war that endangers the hostages (and) starving innocent Palestinians in Gaza,” he said.
Israeli leaders have rejected criticism of their plan, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying “this will help free our hostages”.
