Public anger is flaring in Israel after the discovery of the bodies of six hostages held captive by Hamas in a Gaza tunnel. The deaths have sparked a wave of mass protests and planned strikes as Israelis decry the government’s failure to prevent the tragedy and save the lives of the captives. The situation is growing increasingly tense, threatening to escalate into a major socio-political crisis.
Senior Hamas officials have blamed Netanyahu for the hostages’ deaths, blaming him for the tragedy, urging Israelis to choose between the prime minister and the peace deal
The Israeli military said bodies were found and recovered from the ground in the southern Gaza region of Rafah. According to Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, the dead included Carmel Gat, Gersh Goldberg-Polin, Eden Yerushalmi, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi and Ori Danino. Their remains have already been returned to their home country.
A forensic examination confirmed that the hostages were “shot in cold blood at close range by Hamas terrorists” approximately 48 to 72 hours ago, an Israeli Health Ministry spokesman said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the country would continue its efforts until all those responsible were in custody. “Those who kill hostages are not interested in peace talks,” he said.
Israeli Prime Minister is facing increasing public and international pressure to end the nearly 11-month conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. There are growing demands for an agreement on a cessation of hostilities and guarantees for the release of the remaining prisoners. Senior Hamas officials have blamed the Israeli government for the tragic events, arguing that the Israeli leadership is responsible for the rejection of the peace agreement. “Netanyahu bears direct responsibility for the deaths of the Israeli prisoners,” they said.
Israelis now have to choose: support Netanyahu or move towards an agreement,” Hamas leader Sami Abu Zuhri told Reuters.
Growing public discontent prompts strike: Ben Gurion Airport closed, Tel Aviv blocked by hostage protesters
Amid growing public outrage over the fate of the hostages, Israel Trade Union Federation head Arnon Bar-David called for a general strike on Monday, demanding the government immediately reach a peace deal. He also announced the closure of Ben Gurion Airport, the country’s main air hub, starting at 8 a.m. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who has often clashed with Prime Minister Netanyahu, voiced support for a peace deal. Meanwhile, opposition leader and former Prime Minister Yair Lapid called on Tel Aviv citizens to rally.
In Jerusalem, protesters blocked roads and staged a protest outside the prime minister’s residence. Many stood along the roads waving Israeli flags in memory of the six dead hostages. Aerial footage showed a major Tel Aviv thoroughfare completely blocked by protesters carrying flags bearing images of the dead captives.
Municipal services in Tel Aviv and other Israeli cities went on strike on Monday to show support for the hostages and their families.
Around 250 people were taken prisoner after Hamas launched a surprise offensive into southern Israel on October 7, 2023, sparking Israel’s retaliatory conflict with Gaza.