On the 17th (local time) in Israel, a large-scale protest took place against the cabinet's military operation policy to seize Gaza City.
According to the Times of Israel and others, organizations representing victims, including families of hostages held by the Palestinian armed group Hamas, such as the 'October Council' and the Hostage and Missing Persons Family Forum, occupied major highways, including Route 1 connecting Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, stacking tires on the road and setting them on fire while protesting.
Some protesters gathered in front of the homes of key ministers, including Ron Dermer, Minister of Strategy; Yoav Kisch, Minister of Education; and Nir Barkat, Minister of Economy and Industry, shouting slogans calling for the release of hostages. They also entered into a nationwide general strike at 6:29 a.m.
Israeli police attempted to suppress the protesters using water cannons, and it is reported that a total of 39 people were arrested nationwide.
Since the outbreak of war on October 7, 2023, Tel Aviv's 'Hostage Square,' which has become the center of calls for a ceasefire over the past 22 months, saw a large crowd gather throughout the day. It has been estimated that more than 300,000 people participated in the march toward Hostage Square that evening.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized his determination regarding the plan to seize Gaza City during a government meeting, stating, "Those who demand an end to the war without repelling Hamas only strengthen Hamas's position."
He said, "To expedite the release of hostages and ensure that the Gaza Strip no longer poses a threat to Israel, we must defeat Hamas," adding, "This is exactly the decision made by the security cabinet last week, and we resolve to implement it."
On the 7th, the Israeli Security Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Netanyahu, passed a plan to seize Gaza City, a densely populated area in northern Gaza Strip. Eyal Zamir, Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces, opposed this policy, stating it could threaten the lives of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza, but ultimately approved the plan on the 13th.