Israel: Massive Protest Erupts As Thousands In Tel Aviv Demand Deal With Hamas

Thousands gathered in Tel Aviv on Monday night, urging the government to negotiate with Hamas for the release of hostages held in Gaza since October 7. The rally turned contentious, leading to clashes with police, arrests, and allegations of violence towards a lawmaker and hostages' relatives.

As tensions mounted over potential military action in Rafah, protesters lit a bonfire near IDF headquarters, emphasizing the urgency of freeing the captives. Participants included relatives of those released in a November truce, pressing for an end to the conflict to secure their loved ones' return.

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The demonstration coincided with Hamas's pending response to an Israeli proposal offering a 40-day ceasefire and releasing Palestinian prisoners in exchange for 33 hostages. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron expressed optimism about the proposal's potential for peace.

Reports of the proposal stirred dissent within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition, with far-right leaders threatening government dissolution if military plans are halted. War cabinet minister Benny Gantz warned of his departure if security-backed negotiations falter.

Einav Zangauker, mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, confronted Netanyahu, urging him to prioritize hostage release despite opposition from far-right ministers. Clashes erupted later, with demonstrators targeting Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, accusing him of terrorism.

The rally reached Likud party headquarters, prompting police intervention and arrests for public disruption. Amid the chaos, a firework was reportedly aimed at an officer, resulting in hospitalization. Video footage captured police pushing opposition figure Naama Lazimi amidst the commotion.

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