Thousands demand hostage swap and Netanyahu’s ouster

Mounted Israeli police try to disperse protesters. Pic/AFP

Anti-government sentiments surged through the streets of Tel Aviv as protesters voiced their demands for a hostage swap deal with Hamas and the removal of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accompanied by calls for early elections, The Times of Israel reported. Organisers claim that Saturday's demonstration marked the largest gathering since October 7, estimating a turnout of 120,000 individuals in Tel Aviv alone, although this figure remains unverified.

Similar protests unfolded across various locations nationwide, with Tel Aviv's Begin Street witnessing impassioned speeches, including one from Einav Zangauker, mother of hostage Matan Zangauker. Alongside other hostage families, she cautioned against Netanyahu's potential obstruction of a proposed deal, following revelations from US President Joe Biden regarding an Israeli proposal, as reported by The Times of Israel.

Protests at Democracy Square, the intersection of Begin Road and Kaplan Street, have become a fixture since the inception of the anti-judicial overhaul movement last January. However, they experienced a temporary hiatus after the Hamas terror attack on October 7, which resulted in significant casualties and abductions.

Chile joins nations rallying against Israel

Chile has joined a group of nations supporting a genocide case against Israel filed last year at the International Court of Justice. President Gabriel Boric said in a speech to lawmakers Saturday that he was appalled by the humanitarian devastation in Gaza, especially against women and children. He accused the Israeli army of using "indiscriminate and disproportional" force.

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