Large crowds have gathered at weekly protests in Israel expressing outrage over the ongoing war in Gaza. An IDF soldier spoke to CBS News about why he refuses to serve another tour of duty in Gaza.

Tel Aviv-Yafo

Israel and Iran have agreed a ceasefire after a twelve day conflict. Meanwhile, Israel strikes in Gaza continue with the humanitarian crisis deepening.

Middle East Conflict

Protests in Israel against the ongoing war in Gaza have attracted growing crowds, with demonstrators displaying images of Palestinian children killed in the conflict. The movement now includes some Israeli reservist soldiers, such as Captain Yali Avni, who has refused further service in Gaza after three tours. Avni cited concerns over government statements regarding the treatment of Gaza's population and the lack of clear military direction as reasons for his refusal.

A recent poll found that 61% of Israelis would support ending the war if it led to the return of all hostages. Some reservists who have refused to return to duty face the possibility of imprisonment. Despite these risks, Avni and others maintain their stance, expressing no regret over their decision to stop serving.

Inside the growing resistance in Israel over the war in Gaza

Israeli protesters hold pictures of Palestinian children killed in Gaza. They are part of a small but growing anti-war movement inside Israel. A movement which now includes some reservist soldiers like Yali Avni, a 30-year-old captain with the 401st Brigade. I still believe it was a very just war. I think war is something horrible you should always avoid. But of course after October 7th I believe there was no choice. After three tours in Gaza following the October 7th attacks, he's refused orders to go back. I think for me in hearing members of the government speak very openly about ethnically cleansing the Gaza Strip, about not letting in any humanitarian aid and starving them. I think for me that was just a big red line. A recent poll by Israel's leading television network found that 61% of Israelis want to see all the hostages come home even if that means an end to the war. Was there a specific moment where you thought to yourself I can't be part of this anymore? At some point I started feeling as an officer on the ground that there is no real direction. In every war there's innocent people who are hurt but no one can just say okay we need to stop this. Other reservists who have chosen not to go back are facing the potential of time in prison. Some are even in prison for refusing to go back. Are you concerned about that? When I look back in 20 years I don't think I'll regret saying that I refuse to continue serving and that I said no more. For CBS Mornings, I'm Imtiaz Tayeb in Tel Aviv.

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