At Least 1,700 Israeli Artists and Cultural Figures Sign Petition Demanding End to Gaza War and Release of Hostages

At Least 1,700 Israeli Artists and Cultural Figures Sign Petition Demanding End to Gaza War and Release of Hostages 

Pressure is mounting on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to end the Gaza war and secure the release of Israeli hostages held in Palestinian territories. According to a report by Israeli daily Haaretz, at least 1,700 Israeli artists and prominent cultural figures have signed an urgent petition calling on the government to prioritize the release of the hostages.

According to figures from the Turkey-based Anadolu news agency, since April 10, nearly 3,500 former and active-duty Israeli soldiers have signed various petitions demanding a ceasefire in Gaza. These signatories represent a wide range of military units, including brigades, elite forces, intelligence units, and intelligence service graduates.

Several high-ranking former Israeli military officials have also joined this demand, including former Chief of Staff Dan Halutz and former Prime Minister and army chief Ehud Barak.

Analysts say this movement reflects the growing public dissatisfaction and division within Israeli society over the ongoing war.