Six empty coffins were carried in a procession in Tel Aviv on Sunday evening, a symbol of the six people being held hostage by Hamas and now found dead in Gaza.
The news triggered a wave of sorrow and anger in Israel.
My son is still alive, but every day is like a round of Russian roulette that Netanyahu is playing until all the hostages are dead, said Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan was taken hostage by Hamas on October 7, reports Haaretz.
Blocked Highway
Across Israel, people gathered to protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government's policy on the Gaza War.
Many carried large signs with pictures of the hostages while chanting "we want them back!" and "why are they still in Gaza?".
In Tel Aviv, a highway was blocked for around three hours by demonstrators. It mostly went peacefully, but in some areas it turned violent with demonstrators throwing stones, setting fires, and launching fireworks, reports Israeli media. The police used water cannons, mounted police, and distraction grenades to disperse the crowds.
"Larger Scale"
In Jerusalem, a large crowd gathered outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office, writes BBC.
It's a completely different thing today, a larger scale than anything before, said a 50-year-old man who was on the scene to the TV channel.
According to Times of Israel, 30 people were arrested in Tel Aviv in connection with the protests, while five were arrested in other cities.
Organizers of the protests claim that around 300,000 people participated in Tel Aviv and an additional 200,000 in other parts of the country, writes Times of Israel.
"Missing My Child"
Eli Shtivi, whose son Idan is among those still being held hostage, participated in the protests.
We hope that the decision-makers wake up now. We don't have any more time, he says to BBC and adds:
I miss my child so much. All families are somehow hostages too.
