38 arrested as strikes and protests demanding ceasefire and hostage release deal sweep Israel

Israeli police arrested 38 people on Sunday during nationwide protests where demonstrators demanded their government strike a deal for the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. 

Protesters gathered at dozens of points across Israel, including outside politician’s homes, military headquarters and on major highways. Police sprayed them with water cannon as they blocked roads. Some restaurants and theatres closed their doors for the day out of solidarity. 

The “day of stoppage” was organised by groups representing the families of hostages and bereaved families. It comes after Israel announced plans for a expanded offensive in Gaza which protesters fear would further endanger the remaining hostages. 

“Military pressure doesn’t bring hostages back - it only kills them,” former hostage Arbel Yehoud said at a demonstration in a Tel Aviv square. “The only way to bring them back is through a deal, all at once, without games.” 

There are 50 hostages believed to remain in Gaza. Only about 20 of them are thought to still be alive. 

On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that one of Israel’s conditions for ending the ongoing war in Gaza is what he described as Israel’s “security control” over the Strip. This plan has drawn rejection from both the Palestinians and international condemnation. 

Netanyahu has previously demanded the immediate release of the hostages but is balancing the threat of mutiny from within his coalition. The last time Israel agreed to a ceasefire that released hostages, far-right members of his cabinet threatened to topple his government. They say they won’t support any deal that allows Hamas to remain in power. 

The situation in Gaza

Israel is preparing to move Palestinians from combat zones to southern Gaza as plans move ahead for a military offensive in some of the territory's most populated areas.

For over two weeks, international aid has been airdropped into Gaza. However, they are not adequate for the entire Strip, according to the UN and humanitarian agencies. They say the aid doesn't reach those most in need and sometimes falls into the sea or red zones, and even over crowded areas with tents injuring or killing people.

The UN is warning that levels of starvation and malnutrition in the enclave are at their highest since the war began. 

Hospitals in Gaza said at least 17 aid-seekers had been killed by Israeli forces on Sunday, including nine waiting for aid trucks close to the Morag corridor.  

The war began when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel on 7 October, 2023, killing around 1,200 people, most of them civilians. Hamas took 251 people as hostages, and is currently holding 50, of whom 20 are believed to be alive.

A subsequent Israeli offensive has to date killed over 60,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry whose figure does not distinguish between fighters and civilians. The Israeli military says 898 of its soldiers have died since the start of the war.