More than 15,000 people have taken to the streets in Israel to call for an end to the war in the Gaza Strip and urge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to a deal for the return of the remaining hostages.
Families and supporters of the hostages still being held by Hamas thronged Jerusalem's Paris Square, with others gathering in Tel Aviv.
Of the 48 hostages still being held in Gaza, as many as 20 are believed to be alive.
Israel has yet to formally respond to a deal that would see the release of some hostages but has previously demanded the return of all the hostages in any agreement. Netanyahu insists total victory over Hamas will bring the hostages home.
Hamas took 251 hostages back to Gaza after its attack in southern Israel on 7 October 2023, in which approximately 1,200 people died. In retaliation, Israel launched a massive campaign against Hamas, which has led to the deaths of at least 64,368 Palestinians, most of them civilians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The UN deems these figures reliable, although Israel disputes them.
Protests have steadily intensified, with many calling for the end of hostilities and expressing concern for the hostages' safety. On Saturday night, some of the largest demonstrations occurred, urging the government to negotiate a deal for the hostages' safe return.
Families of hostages openly criticized Netanyahu, voicing their fears that ongoing military actions could jeopardize their loved ones' lives. As protests roared near Netanyahu's residence, speakers implored him to act swiftly for the sake of those being held captive.
The backdrop to these protests is a continuous military offensive by Israeli forces in Gaza, with accusations of escalating violence and humanitarian crises mounting day by day. Despite these calls for a ceasefire from international allies, Netanyahu remains steadfast in pursuing what he calls a strategy for victory over Hamas.
