Protests across Israel over hostage deaths

Protests have erupted across Israel, after six hostages were found dead in an underground tunnel in Rafah, Gaza. The IDF announced the news on Sunday, claiming the hostages had been ‘brutally murdered by Hamas.’ Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also blamed Hamas in an address on Sunday, adding that they had refused offers of negotiations.

Since the announcement, hundreds of thousands of people have taken to the streets, denouncing Netanyahu for failing to bring the hostages home safely. Anger further intensified when it emerged that three of the hostages were reportedly scheduled for release during ceasefire talks in July.

In Tel Aviv, crowds marched to the IDF headquarters, carrying coffins and chanting ‘We won’t abandon them!’ Another group displayed a mock cemetery made of cardboard, with a sign reading ‘named after Benjamin Netanyahu.’ Other demonstrators blocked roads and burned tires, with police eventually deploying water cannons and stun grenades against the crowds. Clashes erupted, leading to dozens of arrests.

More protests are expected in the coming days, while Israel’s biggest trade union has called for a nationwide strike to shut down ‘the entire Israeli economy.’