protests-in-israel-expose-political-crisis-amid-hamas-conflict-citizens-call-for-netanyahu-s-removal

Israel's deep political differences have come into the spotlight after a quiet period following the Hamas attacks in October. 

 

Thousands of citizens have taken to the streets across Israel, all demanding one thing: for Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister, to step down.

 

In Jerusalem, the police had to resort to using stinking water to break up a crowd of protesters who were blocking a major road. 

 

These protesters not only want Netanyahu to resign but are also demanding that around 130 Israelis still held captive in Gaza by Hamas be released.

 

Katia Amorza, a mother whose son is serving in the Israeli defence forces in Gaza, voiced her frustration by saying she'd be willing to pay for a top-class plane ticket just to get Netanyahu to leave his job. 

 

However, religious leader Rabbi Yehudah Glick is among a section of people who say that the real problem lies with Hamas, not Netanyahu. Speaking to reporters, he urged that the focus of the protestors be on Hamas instead of the PM.

 

These protests are happening in various cities, with people calling for the hostages' freedom and blaming Netanyahu for the delay, as it has been 176 days since the Hamas attack in October.

Shira Albag, who has a family member among the hostages, insists they won't stop protesting until their loved ones are safely back home.

 

Netanyahu, on the other hand, has stated that Israel will continue its military actions in Gaza, planning to take Rafah and hopes that negotiations will lead to the release of the hostages. 

 

Talks between Israel and Hamas are expected to resume soon in Cairo, although Hamas has not yet confirmed its participation.

 

Moreover, the violence hasn't stopped. An Israeli airstrike in Gaza caused injuries at a hospital, adding fuel to the fire.

 

Meanwhile, outside the Knesset in Jerusalem, the calls for Netanyahu to resign are growing louder.

 

Naama Lazimi, a political figure, believes people have had enough of the government's actions. Families of hostages are joining in, urging Netanyahu to step down, accusing him of hindering efforts to bring their loved ones back home.