Thousands of people demonstrated Saturday night in several Israeli cities, demanding a deal to free the Hamas hostages and decrying the Netanyahu government.

“I call on the most failed government in (Israel’s) history to resign!” shouted an Israeli army reservist who was injured during the recent operations in the Gaza Strip to those gathered in Tel Aviv.

Some protesters held placards blaming Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the unprecedented attack launched by Hamas on October 7, which killed around 1,200 people: “You are the leader! It is your fault!”.

Police used water cannons to push back protesters who attempted to block a central Tel Aviv highway.

Similar demonstrations were organized in Jerusalem, Haifa, Beer Sheva and outside Netanyahu’s mansion in Caesarea.

Since the start of Israeli military operations, more than 29,600 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza Strip, according to a health ministry tally in the Hamas-controlled Palestinian enclave.

During a brief truce in November, 105 hostages were released in exchange for 240 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. Since then, however, no glimmers of hope have emerged for the families of the remaining hostages, who are anxious for the fate of their loved ones. Israeli authorities estimate that around 100 abductees are alive and being held in the Gaza Strip.