📷 Image Credits: The Times of India
Thousands of protesters swarmed the streets of Tel Aviv on Saturday, demanding new elections and the return of hostages held in Gaza. Demonstrations have occurred in the Israeli city on a regular basis over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu\u2019s handling of the nearly nine-month-old war in Gaza started by Hamas\u2019s October 7 attack on southern Israel. Many protesters held signs reading \u201CCrime Minister\u201D and \u201CStop the War\u201D as people poured into the main thoroughfare of the city. Anti-government protest organisation estimated more than 150,000 people attended the rally, calling it the biggest since the Gaza war began. Some demonstrators lay on the ground in the city\u2019s Democracy Square to protest what they say is the death of the country\u2019s democracy under Netanyahu. Former head of Israel\u2019s Shin Bet security agency condemned Netanyahu as Israel\u2019s \u201Cworst prime minister\u201D. Many are frustrated with the country\u2019s right-wing coalition, accusing it of prolonging the war in Gaza and putting the country\u2019s security and hostages at risk. Author David Grossman called on Israelis to fight for their country during the protest, and a crowd gathered around an open fire in front of the prime minister\u2019s residence. The protests are not connected to the weekly rallies held by Hostages and Missing Families Forum.
