Thousands Protest in Nazareth as Israel Faces Pressure for Gaza Ceasefire on Labor Day

Thousands of protesters gathered in Nazareth, Israel on Labor Day to call for an immediate ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. The demonstration comes as diplomatic efforts intensify to secure a truce and the release of hostages held by Hamas.

Israel has faced mounting pressure from global allies and internal protests to secure a ceasefire agreement and free the captives seized by Hamas. The war, now in its seventh month, has killed over 34,000 people in Gaza and 1,170 in Israel since it was triggered by a Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023.

A Hamas delegation is set to travel to Egypt on Monday to deliver its response to Israel's latest ceasefire proposal, which reportedly includes a willingness to discuss a "restoration of sustainable calm" in Gaza after the hostages are released. Hamas officials have indicated openness to the proposal, seeking a permanent end to the war, the return of displaced people, a prisoner exchange, and an end to the blockade of Gaza.

However, divisions have emerged within Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition over the potential deal. Hardline ministers are insisting on an assault on the southern Gaza city of Rafah, where over a million displaced Palestinians are sheltering, while centrist partners prioritize securing the release of the hostages. The U.S. has urged Israel to refrain from attacking Rafah, citing concerns over civilian casualties.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is scheduled to visit Israel and Jordan this week as part of the push for a ceasefire. President Joe Biden also spoke with Netanyahu to discuss the ongoing negotiations. However, some Israeli officials, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Defense Minister Benny Gantz, have publicly opposed a potential peace deal, calling for the destruction of Hamas.

Why this matters: The Israel-Hamas war has caused a dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with widespread hunger and over half the population displaced. A ceasefire deal could alleviate the suffering and pave the way for reconstruction, but deep divisions remain on both sides over the terms of any agreement.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas warned that even a limited Israeli strike on Rafah could trigger a mass exodus from Gaza. Aid groups have cautioned that an invasion would worsen the already catastrophic situation in the enclave, where a substantial shipment of humanitarian aid has just arrived in Israel for delivery. As mediators step up efforts to secure a deal, the coming days could prove pivotal in determining whether the war will end or escalate further.

Key Takeaways

• Thousands protest in Nazareth, Israel, calling for ceasefire in Israel-Hamas war.
• Israel faces pressure to secure ceasefire, release hostages held by Hamas.
• Hamas delegation to visit Egypt to respond to Israel's ceasefire proposal.
• Divisions in Israel's coalition over potential deal, with some opposing ceasefire.
• Ceasefire could alleviate humanitarian crisis in Gaza, but divisions remain.