Tens of thousands of people in Tel Aviv and thousands more in other Israeli cities demonstrated against Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday and his government’s inability to free the around 130 hostages who still remain in Gaza.
Estimates put the number of demonstrators as high as 100,000 people in Tel Aviv and tens of thousands more at about 50 other locations across Israel.
The rallies followed the recovery and return to Israel of the remains of hostage Elad Katzir earlier in the day.
Protesters reportedly chanted “Elad, we’re sorry” and “elections now”.
Thousands demonstrate against Netanyahu and to call for a hostage deal, Tel Aviv, April 6, 2024 (Credit: JACK GUEZ/AFP via Getty Images)
Israeli media reported confrontations between security forces and protesters in Tel Aviv after fires were started, leading to police forcibly dispersing the crowd.
Haaretz reported that people also chanted, “Police, police who exactly are you guarding?” and “Ben-Gvir is a terrorist”, referring to Israel’s minister of national security.
Protesters light a fire during demonstrations in Tel Aviv, April 6, 2024 (Credit: Amir Levy/Getty Images)
A car ploughed into the crowds in Tel Aviv, injuring five. Police have detained the driver for questioning while authorities investigate his motives and that of the passenger’s, Israel’s i24 News reported.
Israeli political leaders denounced the apparent ramming attack, with Benny Gantz calling it “horrific”.
The demonstrations were the latest in a series of large anti-government protests demanding Netanyahu step down.
Relatives and supporters of Israeli hostages held in Gaza hold placards and wave Israeli flags during a demonstration in front of the Defence Ministry, Tel Aviv, April 6, 2024 (Credit: JACK GUEZ/AFP via Getty Images)
It comes as ceasefire negotiations are set to restart in Cairo, mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the United States. Israel was purportedly undecided on whether to attend, citing that the event would likely be “more political theatre than actual progress.”
CIA Director Bill Burns will attend the talks along with his Egyptian counterpart, as well as a representative from Hamas.
