Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets across Israel to protest against the Netanyahu government’s plan to expand its military operation in the Gaza Strip.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has faced sharp criticism at home and abroad after announcing that the Israeli military would seize Gaza City. The full Cabinet was expected to give its approval to the escalation as soon as Sunday.

Families of hostages were among the protesters amid new fears over the 50 remaining captives, with 20 of them thought to be alive, held by the militant group Hamas, according to media reports.

Demonstrations in Tel Aviv attracted more than 100,000 protesters demanding an immediate end to the military campaign and the release of the hostages, the Guardian reported, citing the organisers.

Netanyahu has said the expanded military operation “will help free our hostages,” though most of the hostages who have been freed emerged as a result of diplomatic negotiations. Talks toward a ceasefire that could have seen more hostages released collapsed in July.
 
A joint statement issued Saturday by nine countries including Germany, Britain and France said they “strongly reject” Israel’s decision for the large-scale military operation. It will worsen the “catastrophic humanitarian situation,” endanger hostages and further risk mass displacement, the governments said, adding that any attempts at annexation or settlement in Gaza violate international law.

A separate statement by more than 20 countries including ceasefire mediators Egypt and Qatar along with Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates called Israel’s decision a “dangerous and unacceptable escalation.” Meanwhile, Russia said Israel’s plan will aggravate the “already extremely dramatic situation” in Gaza.

Germany suspended arms exports to Israel that could be used in Gaza, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz sharply criticizing the humanitarian consequences of the planned offensive.