At least 32 people were arrested in Israel during large-scale protests that erupted in several parts of the country, where citizens blocked major roads and demanded that the government reach an agreement for the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.
Dubbed the “Day of Disruption,” the protest was organized by two groups representing the families of the hostages. Protesters expressed fears that a new Israeli offensive would endanger the lives of the 50 remaining hostages, of whom only 20 are believed to still be alive.
Demonstrators chanted: “We don’t want to win a war over the bodies of the hostages,” as they blocked highways, politicians’ homes, military headquarters, and other key locations. Some were sprayed with water cannons by police.
The protest is considered one of the most intense in recent months, particularly following the release of videos by Hamas and the identification of six deceased hostages in Gaza last September.
