Israelis protest, demand Netanyahu’s resignation over Gaza war
Thousands of Israelis took to the streets Saturday to protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing religious government.
This is happening as there is no sign of a let-up in Israel’s military campaign in Gaza after almost six months.
In Tel Aviv, demonstrators called for early elections as well as the release of the remaining hostages held by the Palestinian extremist organization, Hamas in the Gaza Strip, according to media reports.
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Protests also took place in other cities, including Jerusalem and Haifa.
In Tel Aviv, protesters clashed with police, according to police.
Sixteen people were arrested, according to media reports.
In Jerusalem, hundreds of protesters broke through a barrier near Netanyahu’s official residence.
Opponents of the government are planning major demonstrations in Jerusalem from Sunday onwards, which are to last for several days.
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They also plan to demand the resignation of the government.
A former hostage, whose husband is still being held in Gaza, addressed the demonstration in Tel Aviv, calling on Netanyahu to “Bring them home!”
The woman called on the premier to give the Israeli negotiating team a “broad mandate” in talks on an agreement to release the remaining hostages in return for a ceasefire and a release of Palestinian prisoners.
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“Don’t come home without a deal, bring our loved ones back,” she said.
SOURCE: Premium Times