Tel aviv: Tens of thousands of Israeli protesters blocked streets in central Tel Aviv, demanding a prisoner exchange deal with Palestinian factions and voicing opposition to a recent government decision to reoccupy the Gaza Strip.

According to Anadolu Agency, around 60,000 demonstrators gathered in Hostage Square, shutting down streets in the city center in defiance of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government.

Anti-government demonstrations have escalated in Israel since Netanyahu approved a plan to fully occupy the Gaza Strip. Families of Israeli captives and the military have warned that such a move would endanger captives' lives and drain army resources. A statement delivered by families of the Israeli hostages during the protest accused the government of abandoning their loved ones in Gaza.

The protesters argue that Netanyahu's decision contradicts the opinion of the Chief of Staff, Eyal Zamir, who views the reoccupation plan as a 'strategic trap' that would exhaust military resources and risk the lives of captives. The families and protesters emphasized that the government's actions are not in the interest of the state or its people.

Israel has been facing mounting outrage over its military campaign in Gaza, which has resulted in over 61,300 deaths since October 2023. The conflict has devastated the enclave and brought it to the verge of famine. Furthermore, the International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in the enclave.