Gaza: As the war in Gaza continues, more and more Israelis are starting to speak out against their own government and its actions. People in Israel are feeling sad, angry, and hopeless about the violence and the way the war is being handled.
Yair Golan, a former army leader and left-wing politician, shocked many people when he said Israel is becoming like South Africa during apartheid. He said a "sane country" does not kill babies or target civilians. Prime Minister Netanyahu called his words a "blood libel," a very serious accusation. But more voices are joining Golan, including Moshe Ya’alon, a former defence minister, who said the government is making war to stay in power, not to help the country.
After the Hamas attack in October 2023, which killed about 1,200 people and led to 251 hostages taken to Gaza, most Israelis supported the war. But now, many are questioning it. Gaza is in ruins, the health system there is collapsing, and only a small amount of aid has been allowed in.
A new poll by Channel 12 found that 61% of Israelis want to end the war and bring the hostages home. Only 25% support continuing the fighting and occupying Gaza. Some, like hostage families, say ending the war is the only way to save lives. Others still believe destroying Hamas should come first.
On the streets, protests are growing. Around 500 people marched from the town of Sderot toward the Gaza border, carrying signs that said “Stop the horrors in Gaza.” Some wore T-shirts showing babies killed in air strikes. This protest was led by a group called Standing Together, made up of both Jewish and Palestinian citizens of Israel. Their leader, Alon-Lee Green, was arrested along with eight others.
Green said from house arrest, "You can see more and more people waking up and speaking out." Another member of the group, Uri Weltmann, said people are realizing the war is not only hurting Palestinians, but also risking the lives of Israeli hostages and soldiers.
In April, thousands of army reservists signed letters asking the government to stop the war and focus on making a deal to bring the hostages back.
But not everyone agrees. Some, like Gideon Hashavit, say the people in Gaza are not innocent because they supported Hamas. He was protesting against aid being allowed into Gaza.
Outside Israel, pressure is growing too. The UK has announced sanctions against some of Israel’s settler groups. It also stopped trade talks and summoned the Israeli ambassador. UK officials called the situation in Gaza “morally unjustifiable.” The EU is also reviewing its agreement with Israel, and many member countries want to take a closer look at the relationship.
On Monday, the UK, France, and Canada signed a joint statement strongly criticizing Israel’s military actions and warning of more steps if the humanitarian crisis doesn’t improve.
Uri Weltmann said, “The mood is changing. The wind is starting to blow in the other direction.”
More and more Israelis are no longer staying silent. They are standing up, protesting, and demanding peace.
