The protests led to road closures, as demonstrators gathered at hundreds of locations across Israel, blocking major streets, particularly in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. The police arrested several protesters as part of a general strike day that disrupted life in Israel. According to the protest organizers, including families of prisoners and the “October Council,” the demonstrators aim to pressure the Israeli government into negotiating a comprehensive deal to end the war and return the prisoners without delay.
More than a million Israelis reportedly participated in various protest activities after several municipalities, including Tel Aviv, joined the strike, according to Israeli media. Israeli media also reported that “hundreds of protesters gathered in front of the headquarters of the ‘Likud’ party, where they set fires and clashed with the police.” Israeli police forces prevented protesters from reaching the entrance of the building, while social media footage showed violent altercations between the police and protesters, who were chanting slogans.
Arab media confirmed that representatives from Egypt and Qatar conveyed the new initiative to the movement, with the presence of leaders from several Palestinian factions. It is noted that “Hamas” and its leadership held a series of meetings in Cairo, and leaders of some factions held discussions to push forward towards any agreement to thwart Israel’s plan regarding the occupation of Gaza.
