Hundreds rally near Israeli Defense Ministry demanding Gaza ceasefire, hostage release

Hundreds of Israelis gathered outside the Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv on Tuesday night to demand an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages held by Hamas, as tensions over the government’s handling of the war continue to rise.

According to Israeli Channel 12, demonstrators blocked Tel Aviv’s Ayalon Highway, which runs past the ministry, by setting fire to car tires.

Among the protesters were families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza, who joined the rally to express their opposition to the government’s decision to continue the Gaza war, the outlet said.

The demonstration comes amid a prolonged deadlock in ceasefire and prisoner exchange negotiations between Israel and Hamas.

Last week, Israel withdrew from indirect talks in Doha, citing disagreements over a full withdrawal from Gaza, an end to the war, the release of Palestinian prisoners, and the mechanisms for delivering humanitarian aid.

Hamas has repeatedly expressed willingness to release all Israeli hostages at once in exchange for a permanent ceasefire, a full Israeli withdrawal, and the release of Palestinian detainees.

The Israeli opposition and hostage families accuse Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of obstructing a full agreement in favor of partial deals that allow him to prolong the war, in a move driven by political survival, fearing his government would collapse if its far-right flank withdraws over ending the war.

Tel Aviv estimates that 50 Israelis remain captive in Gaza, including 20 believed to be alive. 

Meanwhile, Israel is holding more than 10,800 Palestinian detainees, many of whom face torture, starvation and medical neglect, according to Palestinian and Israeli rights groups.

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