Tel Aviv erupts in protests over Hamas-held hostages

Scuffles broke out between Israeli police and protesters in Tel Aviv on Saturday as thousands gathered to demand the government secure the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. The protesters, who have been holding months-long street demonstrations, also called for the resignation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of prolonging the Gaza war for his own political gain.

Demonstrators carried photos of female soldiers abducted by Palestinian militants during the surprise 7 October attack on southern Israel, with banners reading “stop the war” and calling for new elections. Seven arrests and at least one injury were reported during the protests.

Tensions have been escalating over Netanyahu’s handling of the conflict, with Hamas insisting on a permanent ceasefire in Gaza in exchange for the release of the remaining Israeli hostages. Netanyahu has ruled out such an agreement, leading to further frustration among the protesters.

The Israeli offensive has resulted in the deaths of over 36,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, with many of the casualties being women and children. The recovery of the bodies of three hostages killed during the initial attack has added to the grief and anger of the protesters.

In a separate development, a US military vessel and part of a docking area for aid in Gaza washed up in southern Israel, near Ashdod, after breaking free from moorings in rough seas. Recovery efforts are underway, with US officials aiming to deliver aid to Gaza to address the humanitarian crisis.