Tel Aviv: Massive demonstrations demanding an end to the war on Gaza and a prisoner exchange deal

Tel Aviv witnessed massive demonstrations on Saturday, with thousands of Israelis participating to demand an end to the war on Gaza and to reach a prisoner exchange deal for the release of hostages held by Hamas.

The demonstrators raised slogans rejecting any partial deal, emphasizing the necessity of returning all prisoners at once, alongside ending the war. The Times of Israel reported that 47 of the abductees are still in captivity, with between 20 and 22 believed to be alive, while Hamas holds the body of a soldier killed in 2014.

These demonstrations came after calls from the families of the released hostages and those still held, urging the Israeli government to return to the negotiating table and accept the proposed deal, warning that the continuation of military operations could put the lives of the remaining hostages at greater risk.

The forum representing the families of the abductees stated in a statement: "The agreement is necessary now before it's too late.. What is on the table can bring back the hostages and end the war, but Netanyahu is undermining it for political considerations, against the advice of the security establishment and the wishes of the majority of Israelis."

Alongside Tel Aviv, other cities such as Haifa, Kfar Saba, and Jerusalem witnessed similar demonstrations, where protesters gathered in front of the Knesset and the residence of the Israeli president, holding signs that read "SOS" in yellow, expressing the urgency of saving the hostages.

These popular movements come as Israel prepares to launch a new wide-scale attack on the city of Gaza, raising concerns among the families of the hostages and opposition from some military leaders who warned that the operation could last for months and endanger the lives of the detainees.