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Mass Protests Erupt in Tel Aviv Over Netanyahu’s Gaza Plan as Hostage Families Demand War’s End
Thousands of protesters filled the streets of Tel Aviv on Saturday to oppose Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s new plan to seize full control of the Gaza Strip, in one of the largest demonstrations since the Israel-Hamas war began. The rally, which also included the weekly gathering of families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza, echoed calls for an immediate ceasefire and the safe return of those still in captivity.
The demonstration came a day after Israel’s government endorsed Netanyahu’s strategy to intensify military operations in Gaza despite mounting public opposition and warnings from the army that the move could jeopardise the lives of the remaining hostages. Polls indicate that a majority of Israelis favour ending the fighting to secure the release of roughly 50 hostages, of whom officials believe about 20 are still alive.
Among the speakers was Lishai Miran Lavi, whose husband Omri is among those detained by Hamas. She warned that Netanyahu’s plan “could be a death sentence for the most precious people in our lives” and urged U.S. President Donald Trump to intervene to halt the war.
Protesters waved Israeli flags, displayed photographs of hostages, and carried signs appealing directly to the government and to foreign leaders. Some demonstrators also held images of children killed in Gaza, highlighting the human toll on both sides. Tal Nahum, a participant in the protest, voiced frustration at the government’s handling of the war, saying, “We didn’t agree with all the decisions that our government is doing, and secondly, we blame our government for all the disasters that occurred in October 2023.”
The plan to escalate the war has drawn criticism from opposition politicians, rights groups, and international allies, with some European partners cautioning against actions that could further inflame the conflict. While most hostages released so far have been freed through negotiated agreements, Israel has suspended further talks, a move that families say has stalled progress.
Netanyahu’s cabinet — which has also authorised strikes in Lebanon, Yemen, Syria, and Iran since 7 October — remains determined to pursue military objectives. Some hard-line coalition members, including far-right minister Bezalel Smotrich, have called for the annexation of parts of Gaza. The army, however, has warned that such measures could endanger hostages and complicate Israel’s security situation.
The conflict was triggered by the 7 October Hamas attack, which killed around 1,200 Israelis and led to the abduction of 251 people. Israel’s military response has killed more than 61,000 people in Gaza, according to local authorities, and caused widespread destruction. A blockade has also created severe shortages of food, leading to famine conditions in parts of the territory.
Netanyahu has stated that Israel intends to capture Gaza City but does not plan to permanently occupy the entire strip. The full cabinet is expected to give final approval to the takeover plan on Sunday.
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Investigation Underway After Goa Nightclub Fire Kills at Least 25
Authorities in the Indian state of Goa have opened an investigation into a nightclub fire that killed at least 25 people, including several tourists, in one of the region’s most popular party districts. Six others were injured in the blaze, which broke out shortly after midnight in Arpora, a nightlife hub about 25 kilometres from the state capital, Panaji.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed the death toll in a statement posted on X, saying the victims included many of the club’s kitchen staff and a small number of visiting tourists. He added that all the injured were in stable condition and receiving medical treatment. Rescue teams recovered all bodies from the site.
Early reports from local police, cited by the Press Trust of India, indicated that a gas cylinder explosion triggered the fire. Witnesses, however, told the agency that the blaze appeared to start on the club’s first floor, where nearly 100 tourists were dancing at the time. As smoke and flames swept through the building, many people ran toward the lower floor, where they became trapped along with staff members.
Sawant said a formal inquiry would determine the exact cause and whether the club complied with fire safety regulations. He pledged strict action against anyone found responsible, writing on X that any negligence uncovered by investigators would be “dealt with firmly”.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as patrons attempted to flee the burning building. “We rushed out of the club only to see that the entire structure was up in flames,” said Fatima Shaikh, who was inside when the fire began.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences in a message on X, calling the incident “deeply saddening” and wishing the injured a swift recovery.
Local media reported that the club’s location along the Arpora River backwaters posed challenges for emergency crews. A narrow approach road forced fire engines to park about 400 metres from the entrance, slowing their response. Reports also revealed that the building had previously received a demolition notice after officials found it lacked a construction permit. That order was later withdrawn by senior state authorities, according to Arpora councillor Roshan Redkar.
Incidents involving gas cylinders and electrical faults are not unusual in India and often lead to heavy casualties, prompting renewed calls for stronger enforcement of safety standards. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the tragedy as a “criminal failure of safety and governance” and urged a transparent investigation to establish accountability and prevent future disasters.
The probe into the fire is expected to assess structural safety, emergency exits and compliance with existing regulations as authorities work to piece together how the late-night gathering turned into one of the deadliest incidents in the state in recent years.
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White House Unveils “Media Hall of Shame” Portal as Attacks on Press Intensify
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