Netanyahu warns protesters against 'civil war'

Attending a memorial service for soldiers who lost their lives in the conflicts in Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu addressed the anti-government protests during a press conference.

"There must not be a civil war between brothers. Division is weakness, while unity is a prerequisite for victory," Netanyahu said, adding, "We are fighting on many fronts.

In the south, until we eliminate Hamas and retrieve all hostages, and in the north, until our people return to their homes safely.

In the east, we are working to prevent Iran from encircling us and obtaining nuclear weapons," he stated.

ISRAELIS ARE BACK ON THE STREETS

Thousands of Israelis gathered in front of the Israeli parliament in West Jerusalem, demanding an immediate exchange deal for the release of hostages in Gaza.

Thousands of protesters carrying Israeli flags held banners, posters, and placards against Prime Minister Netanyahu and politicians in his government, and speeches criticizing the government were delivered from a platform set up in the area.

Protesters chanted slogans against the government, in addition to holding banners reading, “accept the hostage exchange deal,” “elections now,” and “you are the prime minister, you are to blame.”

In addition to West Jerusalem, which hosted the main demonstration, a protest was also held in front of the Israeli Ministry of Defense in the capital, Tel Aviv.

Thousands of Israelis gathered in front of the Israeli parliament in West Jerusalem today once again to demand a deal to bring back Israeli hostages in the Gaza Strip, the resignation of the government led by Benjamin Netanyahu, and the holding of early elections. Israelis had also held a protest with the same demands in front of the Israeli parliament yesterday.

WHAT HAPPENED IN GAZA?

Hamas's armed wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, launched a comprehensive attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, citing "the need to respond to continuous violations against Palestinians and sacred values, especially the Al-Aqsa Mosque.".

Israel announced that 1,200 Israelis were killed and 5,132 people were injured in the October 7 attacks.

In the attacks Israel has carried out on the Gaza Strip since October 7, at least 37,372 Palestinians, including 15,694 children and 10,279 women, have been killed, and 85,452 people have been injured.

While it is reported that there are still thousands of dead under the rubble, civilian infrastructure is also being destroyed by targeting hospitals and educational institutions where the public has taken shelter.

The Israeli army announced that 662 of its soldiers have been killed since the start of its attacks on the Gaza Strip on October 7, 311 of whom were killed during the ground invasion process.

During the "humanitarian pause" in the conflicts, which was granted for 4 days on November 24, 2023, and later extended for another 3 days, 81 Israeli and 240 Palestinian prisoners were released in exchange. On the other hand, Israel continued to detain and imprison thousands of Palestinians.

Since October 7, 2023, 548 Palestinians have lost their lives in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem in attacks by Israeli soldiers and Israelis who have usurped Palestinian lands.