Tens of thousands of Israelis take to the streets in Jerusalem in biggest protest against Benjamin Netanyahu since start of Hamas war

Tens of thousands of Israelis took to the streets this weekend to demand the release of hostages from Gaza and the removal of Benjamin Netanyahu.

Protests were held in cities including Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa, calling for the release of the estimated 130 people still held captive as of October 7.

Families of the hostages were among the crowds calling on the prime minister to leave power, calling him an “obstacle to the deal.”

According to a statement from his office, the 74-year-old underwent surgery for a hernia last night. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice Yariv Levin would intervene while he was being sedated.

Mr Netanyahu is under increasing pressure from the prisoners’ families to strike a deal with Hamas to free them.

He has insisted that Israel will continue fighting until it destroys the terrorist group’s military capabilities.

Crowds set fires as they call on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resign from office

Protest leaders called on people to organize a four-day demonstration against the government

Protesters hold up Israeli flags and light smoke flares as they demand the release of hostages held by Hamas

Demonstrators shout slogans into megaphones during protests in Jerusalem on Sunday

Netanyahu’s office said the 74-year-old underwent surgery last night for a hernia

Egyptian broadcaster Al-Qahera reported that negotiations on a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas would resume yesterday in Cairo. Protesters in Tel Aviv chanted: “Enough killing, enough despair.”

Shira Albag, whose daughter Liri, 19, was among the youngest to be taken hostage, said: “The people of Israel will not forget or forgive anyone who prevents a deal that would bring them (the hostages) back to us.

“After 176 days and 4,244 hours, the excuses have run out.” Relatives said it was time to step up protests and call on Netanyahu to leave office.

Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan was kidnapped by Hamas, said the prime minister’s handling of the negotiations was “criminal.”

Addressing the crowd in Jerusalem, she said: “You (Netanyahu) are the obstacle… You are the one standing between us and the return home of our loved ones. From now on, we will work to replace you immediately… We will pursue you publicly.”

Protest leaders called on their supporters to gather outside the Knesset in Jerusalem for a four-day demonstration and set up a tent city.

Protesters hold up signs demanding Netanyahu leave office. Families of hostages say the prime minister is an ‘obstacle to a deal’

An anti-government protester holds up a sign that reads “Don’t lie to me Netanyahu, just leave!”

Protesters demanding the safe release of hostages set fires and block a major road in Jerusalem

Pictured: Protesters clash with ultra-Orthodox men in Jerusalem’s Meha Sha’arim neighborhood on Sunday

Police used water cannons to disperse crowds protesting against Netanyahu’s leadership

A protester sits atop a sign pointing to the Israeli Supreme Court, holding a sign that reads “enough” in Hebrew

Police break up demonstrators blocking a road using water cannons

Protesters set up camping tents during Sunday’s protest in Jerusalem

A crowd gathered outside the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, to demonstrate against the government and call for the release of hostages held in Gaza

In Tel Aviv, organizers said Saturday’s demonstration was the largest since the October 7 attacks. Demonstrations blocked major roads and 16 people were arrested.

Clashes with police were also recorded in Jerusalem, where hundreds of protesters broke through barriers to demonstrate near Netanyahu’s home.

At a televised press conference last night ahead of his planned operation, Netanyahu said he was “working day and night and burning the midnight oil” to ensure the hostages were brought home.

He said: ‘I have undergone an examination. I thank the people who have already called to express their concern for my health, including reporters, and I assure you that I will successfully pass this treatment and be back in action very soon, very soon.”

The prime minister also warned that those calling on him to resign would “paralyze” the country’s efforts to end the war.