Israeli Protests Against Gaza War: Pilots and Soldiers' Mothers Demand an End to Fighting

SadaNews - Mothers of reserve soldiers and Israeli pilots have called for widespread demonstrations demanding an end to the war in Gaza and a halt to the Israeli government’s plan, under Benjamin Netanyahu, to occupy the city of Gaza.

Mothers of reserve soldiers called for marches tomorrow, Wednesday, from northern Israel to its southern parts to demand an end to the war.

The mothers stated in a statement, "We have no right to remain in our homes after Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir declared that the war in Gaza is endangering our children."

Hebrew Channel 12 reported that hundreds of pilots in the Israeli Air Force plan to protest today in front of the General Staff headquarters in opposition to the government's decision to occupy the city of Gaza.

The channel explained that the pilots support the Chief of Staff’s position against expanding the war and are calling for an urgent deal to return prisoners and end the conflict.

The "Walla" site reported that the pilots warned that expanding the war puts the lives of Israeli captives at risk.

A few days ago, families of Israeli captives in Gaza announced plans to paralyze the Israeli economy on August 17 as part of a new escalation of protests against Netanyahu, who is facing increasing internal pressure following the approval of a plan to occupy Gaza.

The families of the captives stated in a Sunday release that Netanyahu's government "decided to continue and deepen the war, killing living hostages and abandoning the dead."

They announced a complete strike and paralysis of life in the country on Sunday, August 17, aimed at pressuring the government to rescue those held in Gaza, explaining that the action will include disrupting vital facilities and major businesses.

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid expressed his support for the families of the captives and stated that the call to close the economy is "justified and appropriate."

Israeli authorities estimate the number of captives held in Gaza to be about 50, including 20 alive, while more than 10,800 Palestinians are imprisoned under occupation, amid human rights reports of torture, starvation, and medical neglect that have led to the death of many of them, according to various reports.

According to the United Nations, 87% of the Gaza Strip is now under occupation or subject to evacuation orders, amid warnings of "catastrophic consequences" of any new military expansion.

Since October 7, 2023, Israel has continued its genocidal war against Gaza, leaving more than 61,369 martyrs and 152,862 injured Palestinians, most of whom are women and children, in addition to thousands missing and hundreds of thousands displaced, amidst a worsening famine and dire humanitarian conditions.