Hundreds protested against “Operation Pillar of Defense” in Tel Aviv and Haifa on Saturday night, calling on the government to reach an immediate ceasefire with Hamas in Gaza. The protesters called the military operation an election campaign for Netanyahu, and chanted “Children in Sderot and Gaza want to live,” “Stop shooting, start talking,” as well as chants against the occupation of the Palestinian territories.

“Stop the WAR” – Hadash Demonstration against the Israeli attack on Gaza, center of Nazareth, November 17, 2012 (Photo: Eli Gozansky)

 A separate protest was held by Hadash (The Democratic Front for Peace and Equality – Communist Party of Israel) on Saturday in Nazareth where Hadash leader MK Mohammed Barake said “I accuse the Israeli government for the spilling of both Israeli and Palestinian blood, and I mourn victims on both sides. Civilians must be pulled from the cycle of horror. [Prime Minister Binyamin] Netanyahu is mistaken if he thinks the [Gaza] operation will bring quiet. This will not happen.” 1500 participants took part in the Nazareth rally, both Jewish and Arab.

 
Israelis protest against the Israeli attack on Gaza, Habima square in center Tel Aviv, November 17, 2012 (Photo: Activestills)

“This operation is motivated by party politics, it was started to help Netanyahu win the election and to eliminate any possibility of serious negotiations, after the re-election of US President Barack Obama,” Barake added. Other protests were held during the weekend in Arab cities and towns in Israel, among them Taybe, Tyra, Um el-Fahem, Sakhnin and Jaffa.

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              Hadash calls on public to end deadly operation in Gaza
              Demonstrations against deadly military operation in Gaza
              Demonstrations in Tel-Aviv and Haifa against the war in Gaza