Thousands Of People In Tel Aviv Demonstration Against Israel Take Over All Gaza City

Masses of protests demanded an end to Israel's military invasion of Gaza, Palestine. (Tristan Sosteric-Unsplash)

JAKARTA - Thousands of people marched on the streets of Tel Aviv, demanding an end to Israel's military invasion of Gaza City, Palestine on Saturday, August 9 local time.

Citing France24, Sunday 10 August, the demonstrators waved banners and raised photos of the hostages still being held in Palestinian territory while demanding the Israeli government to release them.

This massive demonstration came one day after the Israeli government was commanded by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu officially decided to seize the entire Gaza City area.

AFP journalists who attended the demonstration estimated the number of participants reached tens of thousands, while a group representing the families of the hostages said as many as 100,000 people participated.

Authorities did not provide an official estimate of the number of masses, although the numbers are much larger than other anti-war Gaza demonstrations recently.

"We will end with a direct message to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: if you invade parts of Gaza's territory and the hostages are killed, we will pursue you in the city square, in an election campaign, and at any time and place," Shahar Mor Zahiro, a relative of a hostage killed in the mass action.

On Friday, August 8, Israeli security ministers together with Netanyahu approved a massive operation plan to take over Gaza City. Israel's plan sparked a wave of strong criticism from within and outside the country.

Despite the strong reaction and rumors of dissent from Israeli military officials over the advanced invasion of Gaza, Netanyahu remained steadfast in the decision.