Thousands demonstrated in Tel Aviv and other Israeli cities on Saturday to demand the return of hostages from the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas, or against the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Relatives of hostages still being held in the Gaza Strip for the 163rd day have demanded a deal be struck to free them as soon as possible. Various gatherings in areas of Tel Aviv blocked road arteries of the seaside metropolis.

At some of the rallies, chaotic clashes broke out between protesters and the police.

Relatives of hostages kidnapped and taken to the Gaza Strip on October 7 have accused Prime Minister Netanyahu and his government of not doing enough to secure their release. “Our prime minister has forgotten that he is also the prime minister of the 134 hostages,” a relative said at a gathering. “They don’t have any more time, and neither do we. Do something now!”

According to Israeli sources, more than 130 hostages are still in the Gaza Strip — but at least 32 are believed to be dead — of the more than 250 abducted when Hamas’ military arm launched the unprecedented raid on southern areas of the strip. of Israeli territory in October.

In other Israeli cities, protesters demanded immediate elections. On a giant screen, excerpts of a speech by US Senator Chuck Schumer were playing, in which he noted that holding early elections would be in Israel’s interest — a position that provoked an angry reaction from the Israeli government.

Hundreds of people also gathered outside President Isaac Herzog’s residence in Jerusalem. The police intervened and forcibly removed protesters who had blocked roads.