Former Commander of the Northern Brigade in the Israeli Army: What is Happening in Gaza is Genocide

SadaNews - The former commander of the Northern Command in the Israeli army and former deputy head of the Mossad, reserve General Amiram Levin, accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government today, Saturday, of issuing shooting orders that constitute a "war crime" in the context of the genocide against the Gaza Strip.

Levin stated during his participation in a cultural event in Tel Aviv that "the orders issued by the government to the army today are a crime. We must call a spade a spade (speak the truth): giving an order to shoot at hungry children and parents searching for a morsel of bread is a crime. This is genocide, and that is what we are doing there."

These statements coincided with mass demonstrations in Tel Aviv that are expected to later expand to other areas, on Saturday evening, demanding a prisoner exchange deal and an end to the war. Israeli reports indicated that vigils were organized in front of the "Begin Gate" near the Ministry of Defense in Tel Aviv.

In statements to the families of the captives, Einav Tsingauker, the mother of prisoner Matan Tsingauker, said, "The government is working to sabotage the deal and is imposing unrealistic and unachievable conditions," adding: "We will not get our sons back unless the Israeli government puts a serious initiative on the table."

She considered that any new military escalation "means sentencing the living prisoners to death and concealing the fate of the dead among them," emphasizing that "this is an illegal decision looming over it a black flag," and called on Israelis to "enforce a comprehensive agreement to end the war."

Joining her was Yitzhak Horn, father of prisoner Eitan Horn, demanding an immediate comprehensive deal, stating: "It is unacceptable and unforgivable that even at this moment there has been no serious negotiation for a complete deal. The people of Israel will hold accountable anyone who obstructs and delays at the expense of the captives."

He added: "We cannot leave our children in Hamas's hands. The only way to bring them out of there is through popular pressure; Netanyahu will not release them unless the state shakes."

In relation, Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir stated during a field tour in Gaza that "the battle will continue relentlessly" unless an agreement is reached regarding the release of prisoners, noting that "a few days will determine whether there is an agreement, and if not achieved, we will continue to fight."

Zamir claimed that "the allegations of a fabricated famine in Gaza are a false and orchestrated campaign," as he put it. His statements come amid UN warnings of a comprehensive famine threatening more than two million people in Gaza, coupled with the ongoing Israeli blockade and genocide war.

These developments coincided with the release of videos of Israeli prisoners who appeared to be in clear exhaustion, reigniting the debate in Israel about the urgent need to conclude a deal. The brother of prisoner Nimrod Cohen said: "The war must end. The government will not end it on its own; it must be stopped immediately, time is running out."

Hundreds of protesters gathered at the "Hostages Square" in Tel Aviv on Saturday morning, most of whom were wearing black clothing. The American envoy, Steve Whittaker, was seen walking towards the square to meet with the families of the captives, in a meeting described as "difficult and uncomfortable."