Thousands Protest in Tel Aviv Demanding Release of Gaza Hostages

Massive protests erupted in Tel Aviv as demonstrators urged the Israeli government to intensify efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. The protests intensified after the recent recovery of hostages' bodies and continued conflict in the region.

In a significant demonstration, thousands of Israeli citizens gathered in Tel Aviv's core area to press for the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, as reported by Al Jazeera. Protesters congregated at army headquarters and other governmental sites, vocally opposing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and urging a peace agreement with Hamas to secure the freedom of over one hundred prisoners still detained in the conflict-stricken area.

The renewed wave of protests follows the grim discovery of six hostages' bodies in Gaza two weeks prior. Last weekend's demonstration saw the participation of an estimated 750,000 people, according to Al Jazeera. Family members of the captives, present at Saturday's march, voiced their dissatisfaction with the government's lackluster negotiation efforts. Many demonstrators blamed Netanyahu for the stalled peace talks, suggesting the ongoing conflict serves his political interests.

The situation in Gaza has deteriorated since the October 7 incursion by Hamas, involving approximately 2,500 militants breaching Israel's border from the Gaza Strip. The attack resulted in multiple casualties and the capture of hostages. Israel's military response has been aimed at dismantling Hamas' infrastructure while striving to limit civilian casualties.

Further complicating the conflict, six United Nations staff members were killed in Israeli airstrikes targeting a school-turned-shelter in Gaza, the UN reported. The deceased included personnel from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), which aids Palestine refugees.

The strikes resulted in at least 34 deaths, according to UN News. In a post on social media platform X, UNRWA confirmed the tragedy, stating, 'Just Tragic. #Gaza Six @UNRWA colleagues killed today when two airstrikes hit a school and its surroundings in Nuseirat in the middle areas.'

The UNRWA school in Nuseirat, located in Gaza's Middle Area, sheltered around 12,000 displaced individuals, predominantly women and children. This incident marks the fifth time the shelter has been targeted since the conflict reignited 11 months ago.

(With inputs from agencies.)