Women’s Groups
Masses of protesters demanding an immediate deal to free the Gaza hostages briefly blocked Tel Avivโs main Ayalon Highway on Wednesday evening, marking scenes not witnessed since the nationwide dispute over the governmentโs judicial overhaul last year.
Following a day of women-led protests that coordinated road blockages with police, an estimated 5,000 demonstrators gathered at Kaplan Interchange in Tel Aviv, calling for an immediate deal to return all hostages and chanting, โStop the world, our brothers are there.โ Some protesters descended onto the main highway, blocking its southbound route.
Protesters clashed with police, initially preventing them from clearing the road, but it was reopened to traffic after half an hour. In Jerusalem, dozens also demonstrated on King George Street, chanting, โOur sisters are held hostage, the women take to the streets.โ
The protests coincided with reports that Israel and Hamas were engaged in talks for a prolonged ceasefire and hostage release deal, mediated by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar. Israeli officials refuted claims of progressing negotiations, accusing Hamas of intransigence and blocking potential compromises.
Hamas demands the release of all Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, including those involved in deadly attacks, and a permanent withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Israel reportedly proposed a two-month ceasefire, during which hostages would be freed in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners by Israel, and top Hamas leaders in Gaza would be allowed to relocate.
However, Hamas rejected the proposal, insisting on an end to Israel’s offensive and withdrawal from Gaza. Protesters, largely led by women’s groups, blocked intersections and streets nationwide, expressing anger and demanding a government-led deal for the return of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. The protests reflect growing public pressure amid ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hamas.
