Daijiworld Media Network – Jerusalem

Jerusalem, Aug 10: Protesters supporting hostages marched through Jerusalem towards Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence, expressing strong opposition to the government’s plan for a full military takeover of Gaza City.

Among the demonstrators was former soldier Max Kresch, holding a sign that read “I refused.” He told BBC’s Emir Nader, “We’re over 350 soldiers who served during the war and were refusing to continue to serve in Netanyahu’s political war.”

Protests also erupted in cities across Israel, including Haifa and Tel Aviv.

The Israeli plan to expand its Gaza war—a major escalation—has drawn sharp criticism from the UN and countries such as the UK, France, Australia, Turkey, Germany, Finland, and Canada. The UN warned that a complete military occupation could lead to “catastrophic consequences” for Palestinian civilians and Israeli hostages held in Gaza.

The Israeli security cabinet’s approved plan outlines five principles to end the conflict: disarm Hamas, secure the return of all hostages, demilitarise Gaza, take security control of the territory, and establish an alternative civil administration neither linked to Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority.