Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office in Jerusalem on August 7, urging an immediate halt to military operations in Gaza and the release of hostages. The protest coincided with a high-stakes security cabinet meeting to discuss a potential full-scale ground takeover of the Palestinian enclave.
In a pre-meeting interview, Netanyahu stated Israel's objective to "remove Hamas" and transition Gaza to a civilian administration supported by regional Arab partners. Palestinian authorities report over 61,100 fatalities since the conflict began in October 2023, with widespread infrastructure destruction across Gaza.
The developments highlight deepening regional tensions as civilian casualties mount. Analysts suggest a full Israeli military takeover could prolong humanitarian crises while raising questions about post-conflict governance. Meanwhile, protesters emphasized demands for diplomatic solutions, chanting "No to occupation, yes to negotiation" amid heightened security presence.
