Hundreds of Israelis stage protest in downtown Tel Aviv

Protesters block Ayalon highway in a call for prisoner exchange with Hamas and early elections, reports Israeli media

Hundreds of demonstrators blocked the Ayalon highway in central Tel Aviv, demanding a prisoner exchange with Hamas and early elections, as reported by the Israeli broadcasting authority. 

The protesters set fires and displayed signs calling for immediate action, the removal of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, and early elections, according to state media. 

In the Kirya area of central Tel Aviv, police thwarted a protest outside the Defense Ministry headquarters, deeming it “illegal,” as per Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper. 

Several protesters were arrested for defying orders not to demonstrate in front of the building, and others were detained for involvement in the Ayalon highway closure, facing charges of rioting. 

Anti-government demonstrations were also observed in other parts of Israel, including Jerusalem, Rehovot, Ra’anana, and Haifa, all demanding a prisoner exchange deal, Yedioth Ahronoth reported. 

Israeli protestors have been rallying frequently to press the government for negotiations on a prisoner exchange and early elections. 

Qatar and Egypt, with U.S. support, are mediating between Israel and Hamas to secure a new Gaza cease-fire and facilitate a prisoner exchange. 

Official sources from both sides indicate that Israel holds over 8,800 Palestinians in its prisons, while Gaza is believed to have more than 125 hostages. 

Following a Hamas-led cross-border attack on Oct. 7, Israel launched a deadly military campaign in Gaza, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths. 

The conflict has led to around 31,000 Palestinian casualties, with significant destruction and shortages in Gaza. 

The Israeli offensive has displaced 85% of Gaza’s population internally, amid severe shortages of essentials and damage to infrastructure. 

Accusations of genocide against Israel have been raised at the International Court of Justice, with an interim ruling in January mandating measures to prevent genocidal acts and ensure humanitarian aid reaches civilians in Gaza. 

Source: AA