Israel's Netanyahu says ending the war now will ensure a repeat of October 7 horrors

JERUSALEM: In the beginning of the cabinet meeting, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed Israelis demanding the stop of the war on Sunday (August 17) and said that stopping the war now would mean the repeat of the horrors of October 7 and have Israel fight an endless war.

AI Brief

Families of hostages protested Israels decision to escalate its Gaza offensive instead of pursuing a release deal.
A nationwide strike included roadblocks, marches, and support from municipalities, universities, and tech firms.
The war began with Hamas attacks; 50 hostages remain in Gaza, while over 60,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's response.

Israelis took to the streets on Sunday launching a nationwide strike as families of hostages held by Hamas protested the government’s decision to escalate its military campaign in Gaza rather than pursue a deal for their release and end the war.

Calling for a hostage release deal and an end to the war, different events are planned during the day including demonstrations staged at key junctions and cities across the country, road blocking, disruption of traffic and marches and convoys of vehicles driving across the country.

Dozens of municipalities, businesses, universities and tech firms supported the strike or gave employees the option to participate.

The Gaza war began when Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel, killing more than 1,200 people and taking 251 others hostage.

Israeli officials say 50 hostages still remain in Gaza, only 20 of whom are believed to be alive.

Israel's subsequent offensive has since killed more than 60,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials.