Thousands rally against Netanyahu

Protesters in Jerusalem call for truce deal, early elections as displeasure with government grows

- WAFAA SHURAFA, MELANIE LIDMAN AND SAMY MAGDY

Antigovernment protesters gather in Jerusalem Sunday to push for the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip since Hamas's Oct. 7 attacks. Recent polls show Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his coalition trailing their rivals among Israeli voters.

Tens of thousands of Israelis thronged central Jerusalem on Sunday in the largest antigovernment protest since the country went to war in October. Protesters urged the government to reach a ceasefire deal to free dozens of hostages held in Gaza by Hamas militants and to hold early elections.

Israeli society was broadly united immediately after Oct. 7, when Hamas killed some 1,200 people during a cross-border attack and took 250 others hostage. Nearly six months of conflict have renewed divisions over the leadership of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, though the country remains largely in favour of the war.

Netanyahu has vowed to destroy Hamas and bring all the hostages home, yet those goals have been elusive. While Hamas has suffered heavy losses, it remains intact.

Roughly half the hostages in Gaza were released during a weeklong ceasefire in November. But attempts by international mediators to bring home the remaining hostages have failed. Talks resumed on Sunday with no signs that a breakthrough was imminent.

Hostages’ families believe time is running out, and they are getting more vocal about their displeasure with Netanyahu.