Israeli media reported on Tuesday that protesters closed several streets in Tel Aviv as demonstrations began demanding an end to the war on Gaza and the return of Israeli prisoners. Haaretz newspaper noted that protesters gathered outside the homes of several Israeli ministers calling for the return of the prisoners. Families of the Israeli captives accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—who is wanted by the International Criminal Court for charges of genocide in Gaza—of sacrificing the prisoners to remain in power. They added that Netanyahu’s government is waging a war without clear objectives in Gaza and has decided to pursue a military operation that will lead to the death of their children. Einav Tsengauker, mother of an Israeli captive in Gaza, said Netanyahu is placing obstacles in the way of a deal, urging Israelis to protest.

The demonstrations and calls for escalation come amid increasing pressure from families of Israeli captives to conclude a deal ensuring the release of their relatives. Earlier this week, families called for escalating protests and actions to pressure Netanyahu’s government to reach an agreement guaranteeing a prisoner exchange and ending the war ongoing for 22 months. Israel estimates Hamas holds 50 prisoners, including 20 alive, while Tel Aviv detains more than 10,800 Palestinians in its prisons amid human rights accusations of torture and medical neglect. With U.S. support, Israel has been committing genocide in Gaza since October 7, 2023, including killing, starvation, destruction, and forced displacement, ignoring international calls and International Court of Justice orders to stop. The genocide has caused 62,744 Palestinian deaths, 158,259 injuries mostly women and children, over 9,000 missing, hundreds of thousands displaced, and famine killing 300 Palestinians including 117 children.