Tensions in Israel: 32 people arrested during protests against the war in Gaza and for the release of hostages

The Forum of Families of Hostages and the Disappeared organized a day of strikes and demonstrations in Israel to demand an end to the conflict and the return of the hostages.

The families of the 49hostages still held captive in Gaza are losing patience. They are calling for their release and protesting the Israeli government's decision to take control of the Gaza Strip. The Forum of Families of Hostages and the Disappeared has called for a strike this Sunday, August 17th - the first day of the week in Israel. It began at 6:29 a.m. (local time), the same time as the October 7th massacre began. The strike call was joined by the opposition, high-tech companies, lawyers, and engineers. Employees at Israel's airports have been authorized to walk out, reports Franceinfo .

Families of hostages fear that Israel's escalation of the war in Gaza could lead to the deaths of those still being held. The protests are calling for an end to the war in Gaza and an agreement for the release of all remaining hostages. Several major roads were blocked by protesters Sunday morning, including the highway linking Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, Le Monde reports . Marches and demonstrations are planned throughout the day. Dozens of people demonstrated outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's residence.

In response to the protests, "thousands of police officers and border security forces" were deployed across Israel, police said. Late in the morning, 32 protesters were arrested for disturbing public order and obstructing freedom of movement, the newspaper reported. On its Twitter account, police denounced the use of tires and traffic jams. "Blocking main roads in Israel and disrupting citizens' lives is a grave mistake and a reward for the enemy," Culture Minister Miki Zohar also denounced.

"Attacking the families of the hostages while you bear responsibility for the captivity of their children by Hamas for nearly two years weakens and divides us. Supporting them is what strengthens us and strengthens them," retorted opposition politician Benny Gantz on the X network . Opposition leader Yair Lapid also denounced the ministers' "repugnant messages." "Have you no shame?"