Clashes erupt as thousands protest across Israel

Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Tel Aviv on Saturday, demanding the government secure a deal for the return of the remaining hostages held by Hamas. Protesters marched long into the night, carrying photos of the hostages, lighting flares and bonfires. Demonstrations were also held in other parts of the country; including Jerusalem and the town of Caesarea, where around a thousand protesters gathered outside PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s private residence until forcibly dispersed by police.

Scuffles broke out between protesters and officers, and numerous arrests were made, including former IDF chief of staff Dan Halutz, with police later issuing a statement saying, ‘the right to protest ends where criminal actions, violence, and vandalism begin.’