Tens of thousands of Zionists marched in `Tel Aviv` and Al-Quds (Jerusalem) demanding a prisoner exchange deal and protesting the killing of Israeli hostages in Gaza. The protest in `Tel Aviv` reportedly drew around 100,000 people, closing major roads and streets in various cities.
Criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu grew after Hamas killed six Israeli hostages. Families of the hostages also joined the protests calling for a prisoner exchange deal with Hamas. Skirmishes with police and arrests of protestors were reported.
Hamas blamed Israel for the hostages’ deaths and urged U.S. President Joe Biden to intervene. Histadrut declared a wide economic strike on Monday to pressure the government. Schools, municipalities, and major cities are participating in the strike, affecting various services across the country.
The protests and strike aim to push for negotiations on a prisoner exchange deal with Hamas and hold the government accountable for the hostages’ deaths.