UPDATE - Protesters take to streets across Israel demanding hostage swap deal with Palestinian factions

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By Said Amori

JERUSALEM (AA) - Israeli protesters took to the streets Saturday to demand a hostage swap deal with Palestinian factions in the Gaza Strip, according to media reports.

Thousands gathered in cities across Israel, including Tel Aviv and Haifa, as well as the Karkur Junction area near Haifa, the Yedioth Ahronoth reported.

It said protesters chanted slogan that demanded Benjamin Netanyahu's government immediately conclude a hostage swap deal with Palestinian factions in Gaza.

Hundreds of protesters blocked main roads in Tel Aviv and Haifa, leading to clashes with the police and arrests, according to Israeli Channel 12, which noted that demonstrations on Saturday were "among the largest protests the country has seen since Oct. 7, 2023."

Protesters in Tel Aviv set fires in protest to pressure the government to finalize a hostage swap deal, according to the country’s broadcasting authority.

Israel estimates more than 100 hostages are still being held by the Palestinian group, Hamas, in Gaza, some of whom are believed to have already been killed.

For months, the US, Qatar and Egypt have been trying to reach an agreement between Israel and Hamas to ensure a prisoner exchange and a cease-fire deal and allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. But mediation efforts have been stalled due to Netanyahu’s refusal to meet Hamas’ demands to stop the war

Israel’s onslaught against Gaza has killed more than 40,900 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured nearly 94,700, according to local health authorities.

An ongoing blockade of the enclave has led to severe shortages of food, clean water and medicine, leaving much of the region in ruins

Israel faces accusations of genocide for its actions in Gaza at the International Court of Justice.

*Writing by Rania Abu Shamala