Demonstrators in Jerusalem ignite blazes and seize structures close to the Israeli government's legislative body

In a tense atmosphere, thousands of Israelis reported for reserve duty on Tuesday, preparing for a potential offensive in Gaza City, Hamas's last stronghold in the Gaza Strip. This move comes as the region braces for further escalation.

Meanwhile, demonstrations erupted across Israel, particularly in Jerusalem, in response to the ongoing hostage crisis in Gaza. On September 3, protesters, organised by relatives of the Hamas hostages and their supporters, took to the streets in central Tel Aviv, calling for an end to the Gaza war and the immediate release of the hostages. The specific name of the organisation was not explicitly mentioned in the available sources.

The demonstrations spread to various locations in Jerusalem, including outside the Knesset parliament, the National Library, and the residences of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer. The most dramatic scenes unfolded at the National Library near the Knesset, where protesters barricaded themselves on the building's roof and unfurled two large banners reading "Neglect and killing" alongside a photograph of Netanyahu.

The organisation "Brothers in Arms" accused both the government and Dermer specifically of prioritising politics over lives, claiming that they are torpedoing a comprehensive deal on the table. They asserted that Dermer has failed to bring the hostages home, as 48 hostages are still in the tunnels, and none have returned under his responsibility. Of the 48 remaining hostages, about 20 are believed to be alive.

The protests were not without incident. Activists set fire to trash bins and tires near Netanyahu's residence, causing damage to parked vehicles and forcing the evacuation of residents from nearby buildings. Government officials, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, Education Minister Yoav Kisch, and Justice Minister Yariv Levin, condemned the protesters' tactics, with Ben Gvir characterising the incidents as "terrorism."

In response, Police Commissioner Daniel Levy ordered Jerusalem District commanders to "act with all means" to restore order. The Israel Police stated that they would enable anyone to exercise their right to free expression as part of a lawful protest, but would not allow harm to public order, including burning trash bins, vandalism, roadblocks, or any other illegal actions that endanger public safety or disrupt daily life.

Elsewhere, the Mothers and Women's Coalition continued their demonstration at the city's entrance throughout the day, calling for an end to the abandonment and advancement of a comprehensive deal to return everyone, even at the cost of halting the war. Mothers of combat soldiers also staged a separate protest at Jerusalem's entrance, calling for an end to the Gaza conflict to save both hostages and soldiers.

Authorities stressed that while peaceful protest is permitted, violent actions would not be tolerated. As the situation in Gaza continues to unfold, the hopes for a peaceful resolution and the safe return of the hostages remain a fervent prayer for many in Israel.