Israeli protesters clash with police as they rally for Gaza swap deal

By Anadolu staff

ISTANBUL (AA) - Israeli protesters clashed with police outside the headquarters of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud Party in Tel Aviv following a mass rally Sunday calling for a deal to secure the release of all hostages held in Gaza by Hamas and other militant groups.

Thousands of demonstrators marched from Hostages Square toward the Likud headquarters, where tensions escalated after police attempted to block access to the building.

Demonstrators set tires on fire on King George Street and police detained at least six people, according to local media reports.

Nearly 40 demonstrators were arrested across the country during a one-day nationwide strike as part of wider protests.

Thousands of Israelis took part in the strike, blocking highways in several cities to pressure the Netanyahu government to reach a prisoner swap deal with Palestinians and end the war in Gaza.

The general strike was called by families of Israeli captives held in Gaza, who fear that a decision last week by the Israeli government to fully occupy Gaza would endanger the lives of their loved ones.

According to Israeli estimates, around 50 captives remain in Gaza, including 20 believed to be alive, while Israel is holding more than 10,800 Palestinians in its prisons under dire conditions, with rights groups reporting deaths due to torture, hunger and medical neglect.

Israel has killed more than 61,900 Palestinians in Gaza since October 2023. The military campaign has devastated the enclave and brought it to the verge of famine.

Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.