Protests intensify in Tel Aviv over Gaza offensive, government actions

As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu moves forward with plans to escalate the military offensive in Gaza, hundreds of thousands of Israelis gathered once again on Saturday evening to protest the government's latest actions -- including the removal of a top security official.

Protests in Israel are intensifying. The weekly demonstrations, held every Saturday evening for more than two years, have taken on renewed urgency following the resumption of military operations in Gaza and the continued detention of 59 hostages in the territory.

Meanwhile, the Israeli government has voted to dismiss Ronen Bar, head of the Internal Security Agency. Government officials have suggested they may not comply with a Supreme Court ruling calling for at least a temporary freeze on the decision, which is set to take effect in early April.

Protesters in Tel Aviv emphasize the urgent need to secure the release of the remaining hostages.

"I was here two months ago, [there were] 50 percent less. I don't know exactly how many people are here, but you see more and more. I have a lot of friends who agree with me, and they wouldn't come here for their personal reasons. The only thing I can do in my personal life is [to] come here, remind my government that there are still Jews underground, and we need good leadership, and we don't feel we have that," said Yehuda, a protester.

Large crowds of Israelis in Tel Aviv and across the country say the Netanyahu administration is undermining the nation's democracy.

Nearly all of Israel's opposition leaders have joined the demonstrators.

"There is a supreme court in this country, and we need to make sure that the government follows the laws and the rules as exactly as everybody else," said Yair Lapid, head of the Israeli Opposition.

The demonstrators say Netanyahu and the Israeli government are willing to do whatever it takes to hold onto power -- even if it means dismantling the foundational pillars of Israeli democracy and abandoning the hostages still detained in Gaza.

"The Prime Minister is ready to sacrifice the hostages in order to have the coalition united and to postpone any election; that's why I think the decision to return to war is not a professional one; it is a political one," said Ayelet, one of the protesters.

Protests intensify in Tel Aviv over Gaza offensive, government actions

Residents in Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti, are demanding that the government take action to combat the escalating gang violence.

The Caribbean country's security situation has deteriorated sharply in recent months, as escalating attacks against civilians are eroding the few areas that remain free from gang influence.

In February alone, the escalating violence in Port-au-Prince has forced nearly 60,000 people to flee their homes.

Currently, over 1 million people are displaced across Haiti -- a figure that has tripled in the past year.

Armed gangs are seizing control of more neighborhoods, raising fears that the capital could fall at any moment.

Half of the country's population is facing acute food shortages, and many displaced people have sought refuge in makeshift shelters, where access to food, water and medical care is severely limited.

Meanwhile, gang violence is intensifying, with kidnappings, extortion and killings plunging the country, especially the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince, deeper into turmoil.

"We have nowhere to go. All of those sleeping at the gas station have nowhere to go. I just have one thing to say to the government: they have to do something for us," said Laurie Evanie Felix, a local vendor.

Inflation is soaring, basic services are collapsing, and food insecurity is worsening.

Amidst this turmoil, the rise in gang violence persists, even with the presence of UN-backed international forces led by Kenya.

As conditions worsen, millions are wondering when they will see any sustainable relief.

"Help! Government of my country! Help! We can't run anymore! Government of my country, do something," said Kettia Sylvain, another vendor.

Desperate Haitians urge gov't to take action amid escalating gang violence