Jerusalem [Israel], August 27: Israelis took to the streets on Tuesday in a major day of protests to demand the immediate release of hostages and an end to the Gaza war.
Demonstrations and road blockades have taken place across the country.
A major highway near Tel Aviv was blocked, while protesters burned tyres on a road north of the coastal city, according to a DPA photojournalist.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum had called for various protest actions under the slogan "Israel stands together." A large rally was planned for the evening at Hostage Square in central Tel Aviv.
Demonstrators accuse Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of prolonging the war for political reasons. His far-right coalition partners, on whom his political survival depends, oppose a ceasefire.
Just over a week ago, hundreds of thousands of Israelis expressed their solidarity with the hostages during a mass protest.
A total of 50 hostages are still being held in the Gaza Strip, 20 of whom are believed to be alive.
Hamas announced just over a week ago that it has agreed to a new proposal for a ceasefire put forward from Egypt and Qatar, who are mediating the conflict.
The plan includes a 60-day ceasefire, during which 10 living hostages would initially be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
Source: Qatar Tribune
