Largest protests yet in Tel Aviv, demonstrators demand hostage deal

(Patria) - Numerous citizens gathered yesterday in the center of Tel Aviv, demanding the government reach a deal for the release of hostages in Gaza, agencies report.

According to Israeli media, these are the largest demonstrations since the start of the war in Gaza. The public outcry comes after the bodies of six killed hostages were found in the Gaza Strip.

Israel's largest trade union, Histadrut, has also pressured the government, calling for a general strike on Monday.

The strike aims to shut down or disrupt major sectors of the economy, including banking, healthcare, and the country's main airport.

Ben Gurion International Airport, Israel's main international airport, will suspend all flights today due to the protest, which is organized to pressure Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to reach a prisoner exchange deal.

Hunderttausende Israelis demonstrierten heute Abend in Tel Aviv gegen die Maßnahmen der Regierung Netanyahu, die das Geiselabkommen für den Gazastreifen verzögern
(Video: Amir Turkle)#BringThemHomeNow #netanyahu #israel #hamas #gaza #telaviv #kaplan pic.twitter.com/FBMAt3D1k6

— Zeev Rosenberg 🎗️ (@zeevrosenberg) September 1, 2024

Many blame the Israeli prime minister for failing to achieve a ceasefire during the nearly 11 months of war. Negotiations have dragged on for months.

The Israeli military has acknowledged difficulties in rescuing dozens of remaining hostages and said a deal is the only way to achieve a large-scale return.

Thousands of people also gathered in front of Benjamin Netanyahu's office in Jerusalem.

The army announced that all six hostages were killed shortly before Israeli forces arrived.

⚡️BREAKING:

According to Hebrew media, more than 280,000 israelis are protesting in Tel Aviv. pic.twitter.com/nMTh3xv7Yw

— Suppressed News. (@SuppressedNws) September 1, 2024

Netanyahu blamed Hamas for the stalemate in negotiations, saying, "Whoever kills hostages does not want a deal."