Sun Aug 17 10:56:52 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summarized news article based on the provided text, written with an Indian perspective in mind:

**Headline: Hostage Crisis Grips Israel as Protests Escalate; Airstrikes Hit Yemen**

**Jerusalem, August 17, 2025 (The Hindu) –** Public anger is boiling over in Israel as families of hostages held by militants in Gaza organized a nationwide strike, disrupting traffic and business, demanding the government prioritize a deal for their release. The protests come amidst growing fears that further military action by Israel will endanger the remaining hostages, believed to number around 50, with only 20 thought to be alive.

Demonstrators blocked roads, lit bonfires, and gathered outside politicians’ homes, leading to dozens of arrests. The protesters accuse the government of prioritizing military objectives over the lives of the hostages, chanting, “We don’t win a war over the bodies of hostages.” While Israel’s largest labor union did not officially join the strike, many businesses and municipalities shut down in solidarity.

The escalating unrest highlights the complex dilemma faced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is caught between pressure from the hostage families and hard-line members of his coalition who oppose any deal that allows Hamas to retain power. Some ministers have decried the protests, claiming they strengthen Hamas and undermine Israeli security.

Meanwhile, tensions are escalating beyond Gaza. Israeli airstrikes targeted infrastructure in Yemen, claiming it was being used by Iran-backed Houthi rebels to launch attacks against Israel. The Houthis have been targeting ships in the Red Sea, raising concerns about the stability of international shipping lanes.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with the UN warning that starvation and malnutrition levels are at their highest since the conflict began. While Israel has agreed to resume allowing tents and shelter equipment into Gaza, aid organizations say the flow is still insufficient. Some accuse Israel of weaponizing aid for political and military gain.

The conflict, sparked by a Hamas-led attack in 2023, has resulted in a devastating loss of life on both sides. The ministry reports that 61,897 people in Gaza have been killed, and at least seven children have recently died of malnutrition-related causes. The situation is closely watched in India, with concerns for the welfare of civilians and the wider regional implications of the conflict. The Indian government has called for de-escalation and a peaceful resolution, emphasizing the need for humanitarian access and the safety of civilians.

Read More