Middle East crisis: at least 21,000 children disabled in Gaza during war, says UN committee as it happened
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Israeli Protesters Calling for Hostage Deal Demonstrate in Jerusalem
Above: Protesters occupy the roof of the National Library of Israel to stage a demonstration demanding a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages in Jerusalem on Sept. 3, 2025. Image copyright: Mostafa Alkharouf/Anadolu/Getty Images
The Spin
Opposition narrative
Though violence is never the answer, it's no wonder that protesters are escalating their tactics against the policies of the Israeli government given its clear decision to sacrifice the hostages in exchange for Netanyahu's political ambitions. Netanyahu and his extremist government have consistently demonstrated that they seek to turn Israel into a religious autocracy, much like the United States under Donald Trump. The only way to ensure Israel's security and international standing is to end the war.
Pro-government narrative
Of course, every Israeli wants to see the hostages released, but Hamas has used negotiations to kick the can down the road and ensure its survival. The protests in Israel have failed to unite the nation and only serve the political interests of the opposition, though even it has been forced to condemn the violence. Indeed, the protesters are now undermining the security of the nation by engaging in violent acts.
Pro-Palestine narrative
Regardless of the political scandal of the week in Israel, the country's genocide in Gaza has continued unabated despite some limited protests. Though Israelis may disagree on how to ensure the release of the captives, they are rarely divided over their treatment of Palestinians, and the secular establishment often heralded in the Western media as the country's saviors is just as genocidal and cruel as the religious forces trying to take over the country.