Israelis are today staging a nationwide day of protest, burning tires and blocking highways as they call for a ceasefire deal in Gaza that would return the hostages.
The so-called “day of struggle” comes as the Israeli government prepares to take over Gaza City, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prevaricates over the latest ceasefire proposal, which Hamas has accepted.
If you’re just joining us, here’s what you need to know.
• “Day of struggle:” Protesters in Israel are blocking the main highway in Tel Aviv, calling for the release of the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza and a negotiated end to the war. Large protests like these typically happen on a weekend; that the mass demonstration is being held midweek is a measure of the growing anger within Israel.
• Security cabinet meeting: While civilians call for an end to the war, Israel’s security cabinet is scheduled to meet this afternoon to discuss Israel’s imminent assault on Gaza City, according to a source familiar with the plans.
• Ceasefire proposal: Nearly a week after Hamas accepted the latest Gaza ceasefire proposal, Israel has yet to respond – despite Netanyahu’s claims that he is “immediately” starting negotiations to release all the hostages and end the war.
• Trump eyes deal: Donald Trump claimed over the weekend that the war in Gaza will end within the next “two to three weeks,” without providing details. The US president said he “deals with” Netanyahu “quite a bit,” and said he told him the war needs to end soon.
• “Double-tap” strike: Meanwhile, Israel is facing international condemnation after its deadly “double-tap” strike on the Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza killed at least 20, including five journalists, some of whom had rushed to the site to cover the initial strike.
• Journalists under attack: Monday’s strike on the Nasser Hospital came two weeks after Israel killed several Al Jazeera journalists in a strike on Gaza City. Israel’s killing of journalists means the number of reporters in Gaza is dwindling, since Israel does not allow international journalists to enter the enclave to report independently.
