Hundreds gathered in Tel Aviv and outside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s home in Caesarea on Saturday, 29 October, demanding a ceasefire in Gaza. Among the protesters were relatives of the over 200 people held hostage in Gaza in the aftermath of the 7 October attack. The protestors called for their loved ones’ release and held signs of children taken by Hamas militants in recent raids. Some demonstrators also called for Netanyahu’s resignation, while others lit candles spelling out “guilty” and “shame.” Similar protests occurred outside Economy Minister Nir Barkat’s Jerusalem home, with about 20 vigils held that evening. These demonstrations coincided with a meeting between Netanyahu and hostage families’ representatives. Hamas has demanded the release of all Palestinian prisoners in Israel in exchange for the Israeli and foreign hostages held in Gaza. The Israeli military has declined this offer, referring to it as “psychological terror,” and says it is working through various other channels to secure the hostages’ release. Relatives of the hostages are urging the Israeli government to agree to the deal, especially as Israel continues its bombardment of Gaza, where a significant number of casualties, including hostages,…
