Demand for Release of Israeli Hostages Grows as Thousands Rally in Tel Aviv

Thousands of protesters gathered in Tel Aviv, demanding the release of Israeli and foreign captives held by Hamas in Gaza and criticizing the Israeli government's handling of the crisis. Some protesters were friends and family members of the captives, urging for their immediate return. A smaller group of anti-government protesters also called for a ceasefire despite a crackdown on anti-war voices. The demands for a ceasefire have been increasing globally, but Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected the idea without the return of hostages. Over 11,000 Palestinians, including thousands of children, have been killed in Gaza since the conflict began. Netanyahu ruled out the Palestinian Authority governing Gaza after the war, stating there must be "something else" in place.