Netanyahu continues to prepare Gaza City offensive as mediators await response to ceasefire proposal
Tens of thousands of people took part in demonstrations across Israel on Tuesday, blocking highways on a “day of disruption” that aimed to push Benjamin Netanyahu into agreeing a deal to end the war and calling off plans to attack Gaza City.
Relatives of hostages led the biggest march and rally in Tel Aviv, while in Jerusalem hundreds of people gathered outside the prime minister’s office as the security cabinet met to discuss the war. There were dozens of other protests around the country, including on the main highway to the northern city of Haifa and inside Ben Gurion airport.
Israel’s military has been ordered to speed up preparations for a ground offensive in Gaza City, even as mediators say they are waiting for Israel’s response to a ceasefire agreement already on the table.
Netanyahu has shrugged off warnings that attacking Gaza City would be catastrophic for Palestinians struggling to survive a famine, and dangerous for about 20 hostages thought to still be alive.
