Israeli protesters call for nationwide strike demanding ceasefire and release of hostages
發佈日期: 2025-08-17 19:43
TVB News
The families of Hamas-held hostages in Israel have called for a nationwide day of action to protest against Israel's military expansion in Gaza.
Many ordinary Israelis are refusing to go to work in support of those relatives who fear that the planned occupation of Gaza City will lead to the death of their loved one and will extend the war.
Israelis being urged not to go to work.A "nationwide stoppage" or strike. This group blocked most of the lanes of a highway into Jerusalem. Some vehicles able to get past sounded horns in support.
This picket line is not about pay, conditions or pensions. It's about Gaza.
A father of a victim killed in the October 7th attacks, Eyal Eshel, hopes thousand will join in. "The roads here in Tel Aviv almost empty and it's good", he said, "We hope that in the next coming hours, it's going to be much better from the people that stopped the life today, didn't go to work and be with us.
As numbers grew in "hostage square," in Tel Aviv the president addressed the crowd and the wider world saying hostages must come first.
" The world should want them back home as soon as possible. Stop being a bunch of hypocrites. Press, because when you know how to press, you press, press and tell Hamas no deal, no nothing, until you release them." President Isaac Herzog told the crowds.
"I want to say to our brothers and sisters all over the world, we are together in this plight. We want the hostages back home. They are the most important issue on world affairs, and we want to see them back home as soon as possible.
The strike followed another night of dissent against the Israeli government.
Protesters gathered around a lit fire and let off flares.
They are angry with the war cabinet's plan to take control of Gaza City and fear an expansion of the war in the coming weeks will lead to the death of hostages.
Also, widespread concerns about the plight of starving civilians in Gaza.
Desperate hungry people, many children, were seen rattling pots and pans and plead for food at this charity distribution centre.
Aid seekers push their way to the front, climbing over each other,
Rice and lentils available if you can get to it.
Without handouts, theses people say they will starve.
The Palestinian Health Ministry say more than 10 people have starved to death in the last 24 hours.
Overall, more than 250 Palestinians are said to have died not from bombs or injuries but purely from hunger.
Many have gone or plan to leave Gaza City. There may not be a choice.
Israel says it will move Palestinians from combat zones to southern Gaza ahead of its offensive.
More than four-fifths of the Gaza Strip is already classified as a prohibited military zone of under an evacuation order.
The Israel Defence Forces say they will allow more Gazans access to tents "to ensure their safety" if they are relocated.
