Thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv to protest and demand the release of hostages held by Hamas. According to the news agency AP, the protesters assembled in Tel Aviv Square, blocking several roads, including the city's main thoroughfare, as they called for the immediate return of the hostages.

The demonstrators expressed their frustration with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, accusing it of being ineffective in securing the hostages' release, even after eight months. Many called for Netanyahu's resignation, questioning his leadership and the government's handling of the situation.

The protests came a day after eight Israeli soldiers were killed in Rafah during clashes with Hamas, further complicating the situation. In response, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced a "strategic pause" in their operations in Gaza to allow more aid to reach the southern region, as reported by The Guardian. This pause is coordinated by the United Nations and international aid agencies, aiming to facilitate safe passage for aid trucks via the Salah al-Din highway and the Kerem Shalom crossing.