Israeli citizens hold a demonstration in front of the Israeli Defence Ministery in Tel Aviv demanding talks to release hostages Israeli citizens hold a demonstration in front of the Israeli Defence Ministery in Tel Aviv demanding talks to release hostages  (AFP or licensors)

Israeli demonstrators call for release of hostages

Israeli media says police in Tel Aviv forcibly dispersed tens of thousands of anti-government protestors, who had gathered to demand the release of hostages seized by Hamas six months ago.

By Nathan Morley

It’s been six months since Palestinian gunmen stormed southern Israel from Gaza - and more than 100 Israelis remain in captivity. 

 

In Tel Aviv, scuffles broke out and at least four people were arrested after demonstrators sat on a road blocking a main junction in the city. On Saturday, the Israeli military said it had recovered the body of a hostage from southern Gaza.

Meanwhile, Hamas has sent a delegation of its leaders to Cairo for talks on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and a hostage-for-prisoner swap deal between the movement and Israel.

Hamas said it would still stick to the position it presented at talks on March 14 which included "a permanent ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, the return of displaced individuals to their places of residence, people's freedom of movement, relief and shelter, and a serious prisoner swap deal.

During previous talks, Hamas stipulated a complete cessation of the war, while Israel agreed only to a brief ceasefire and rejected Hamas' request to allow displaced civilians to return home.

Listen to the report by Nathan Morley

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07 April 2024, 13:19