Hundreds of thousands protested in Israel after six hostages were killed.

Crowds of up to 500,000 people, according to Israeli media estimates, protested in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and other cities, demanding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu do more to bring home the remaining 101 hostages. Israel estimates about a third of them have died. Labor Party leaders have called for a one-day general strike on Monday.

The Israeli army has announced the recovery of bodies from a tunnel in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, as a polio vaccination campaign begins in the Palestinian territory that has been almost completely devastated by Israel's war.

Protest in Tel Aviv on September 1, 2024. Photo: Reuters

The bodies of hostages Carmel Gat, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Eden Yerushalmi, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi and Ori Danino have been returned to Israel, military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari told reporters.

A forensic examination determined they were "killed by Hamas terrorists with multiple gunshots at close range" 48-72 hours ago, an Israeli Health Ministry spokesman said.

In Jerusalem, protesters blocked roads and demonstrated outside the prime minister's residence. Aerial footage showed Tel Aviv's main highway blocked by protesters holding flags depicting the slain hostages. Police said about two dozen Israelis were arrested nationwide.

Prime Minister Netanyahu, facing growing calls to end nearly 11 months of war with a ceasefire and release the remaining hostages, said Israel would not rest until those responsible were caught. "Anyone who kills hostages does not want a deal," he said.

Senior Hamas officials said Israel, by refusing to sign a ceasefire agreement, was responsible for the deaths. "Netanyahu is responsible for the killing of Israeli prisoners," said Hamas commander Sami Abu Zuhri. "The Israelis should choose between Netanyahu and the agreement."

Israel's offensive on Gaza began after Hamas and other militants killed about 1,200 people and took about 250 hostages in attacks on Israel on October 7, according to Israeli figures.

Since then, Israel's retaliatory offensive has flattened much of the 2.3 million-strong enclave and left at least 40,738 Palestinians dead. The remaining displaced people are living in squalid conditions and facing starvation.

Hoang Anh (according to Reuters, AJ)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/hang-tram-nghin-nguoi-israel-bieu-tinh-sau-khi-6-hostages-bi-giet-o-gaza-post310259.html