Thousands gathered in Tel Aviv on Saturday to protest against the Israeli government's handling of the situation in the Gaza Strip after nearly six months of war with the Palestinian terrorist Hamas group. At the main rally in the "Hostage Square" near the Tel Aviv headquarters of the IDF and Ministry of Defense, the daughter of one of the hostages said, "We will burn down the country," and called on the participants to march to two different locations nearby, including the main gate to the military compound. This resulted in roads being blocked and clashes with police, including in the Ayalon Highway nearby, which is the main artery crossing Tel Aviv from north to south, as protesters set up improvised bonfires.
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A resident from Jerusalem told Reuters that the government has been neglecting its people and "doing horrendous things in Gaza, not in our name". Another said the government should step down to allow others to lead the country. Ibe iff
The war erupted after Hamas terrorists broke through the border and rampaged through communities in southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people and abducting 253 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.
Video: Protesters clash with police in Tel Aviv, March 30, 2024 / Credit: Israel Police
Truce talks between Israel and Hamas will resume on Sunday in Cairo, the latest attempt to bring about a pause after nearly six months of war in the Gaza Strip, Egypt's Al Qahera News TV reported on Saturday, citing a security source.
An Israeli official told Reuters that Israel will send a delegation to Cairo on Sunday. A Hamas official however told Reuters the group would wait to hear from Cairo mediators on the outcome of their talks with Israel first.
The warring sides have stepped up negotiations, mediated by Qatar and Egypt, on a six-week suspension of Israel's offensive in return for the proposed release of 40 of the 130 hostages still held by the Palestinian terrorist group in Gaza.
Hamas has sought to parlay any deal into an end to the fighting and withdrawal of Israeli forces. Israel has ruled this out, saying it would eventually resume efforts to dismantle the governance and military capabilities of Hamas.
Hamas also wants hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who fled Gaza City and surrounding areas southward during the first stage of the war to be allowed back north. One Israeli official said his country was open to discussing allowing back only "some" of the displaced.
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