Protests erupt over Netanyahu’s Gaza expansion plan

Thousands of protesters took to the streets in Israel and abroad over the weekend in response to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s newly announced plan to expand military operations in the Gaza Strip.

(NBC)- Thousands of protesters took to the streets in Israel and abroad over the weekend in response to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s newly announced plan to expand military operations in the Gaza Strip.

The plan, unveiled Friday, calls for intensified fighting in Gaza City and in Al-Muassi — an area that has served as a humanitarian zone since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack. Critics fear the move could endanger the roughly 20 hostages believed to still be alive, some of whom may be in those areas.

Demonstrators are urging Netanyahu to seek a cease-fire that could secure the release of the remaining hostages.

Facing criticism both domestically and internationally, Netanyahu defended the plan in press conferences over the weekend, speaking in both Hebrew and English. He argued that Israel has “no choice” but to attack Hamas’ remaining strongholds in Gaza and vowed to proceed with the operation.

At an emergency U.N. Security Council meeting on Sunday, several representatives — including those from the Palestinian delegation — accused Israel of committing genocide.