Thousands Protest against Israeli PM, Demand Prisoner Swap with Palestinian Factions
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Thousands rallied in major cities in occupied Palestine on Saturday, calling on the Israeli regime prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet to finalize a prisoner exchange deal with Palestinian factions in Gaza.
Protesters took to the streets in Tel Aviv, Haifa, and the Karkur Junction area near Haifa, chanting slogans that demanded immediate action from Netanyahu's government to secure the release of over 100 captives believed to be held by Hamas in Gaza, according to reports from Yedioth Ahronoth.
Hundreds of demonstrators blocked main roads in Tel Aviv and Haifa, leading to clashes with police and multiple arrests, Israeli Channel 12 reported. The channel also noted that these demonstrations were among the largest seen since October 7, 2023.
In Tel Aviv, protesters set fires in a bid to pressure the regime into finalizing a prisoner swap deal.
Israel estimates that over 100 captives remain in Gaza, with some feared to have already been killed. Efforts by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt to mediate a prisoner exchange and ceasefire have stalled, partly due to Netanyahu’s refusal to meet Hamas' demands to halt the ongoing war.
Israel's onslaught against Gaza has resulted in over 40,900 Palestinian deaths, predominantly women and children, and nearly 94,700 injuries, as reported by local health authorities. The blockade of Gaza has also led to severe shortages of food, clean water, and medicine, leaving much of the region devastated.
The International Court of Justice is currently reviewing accusations of genocide against Israel for its atrocities in Gaza.