Tensions rise in Tel Aviv as clashes erupt between police and protesters amid calls for Gaza ceasefire
Tensions escalated in Tel Aviv as clashes broke out between police and protesters following a series of rallies urging a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages. Social media footage captured the confrontations that unfolded on Saturday night.
Police and protesters clashed in Tel Aviv on Saturday night. Several videos posted on social media showed the confrontation after a day of rallies calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and the return of all hostages.
In the videos, horse-mounted police and water cannons were seen in Tel Aviv's Democracy Square. They were trying to disperse crowds that refused to leave, leading to violent clashes.
At another protest, two people were arrested by the police for disorderly conduct. They had left the approved demonstration site at the Kaplan intersection, went to the Azrieli intersection, and started lighting fires and causing chaos by not following the police's instructions.
The police declared the demonstration as illegal and warned the participants to disperse. They stated that if the crowd did not comply, the police would have to take action.
The clashes occurred after demonstrations against the government in various cities in Israel, demanding the return of hostages captured in Hamas' attack on Oct 7, and calling for a new election. 
Israeli police in Tel Aviv detained protesters on May 25. The demonstrators were calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, a prisoner swap deal, and the resignation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government.
Mostafa Alkharouf/Anadolu/Getty Images
Israeli officials reported that around 250 people were taken hostage during Hamas’ surprise attack on southern Israel on October 7, resulting in the death of 1,200 individuals. In retaliation, Israel launched a war on Hamas in Gaza, leading to the deaths of over 35,000 Palestinians, as reported by the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza.
Protesters in cities like Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Rehovot gathered to express their dissatisfaction with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. They accused his government of corruption and criticized his handling of the conflict with Hamas.
Families of current and past hostages gathered for a rally, urging for negotiations with Hamas to bring their loved ones back home. Israel's Prime Minister's Office (PMO) estimates that around 125 hostages are still held in Gaza, despite the release of over 100 in a previous deal.
Screengrab from a Hamas video showing female Israeli soldiers abdudcted on October 7, 2023
Screengrab from a Hamas video showing female Israeli soldiers abdudcted on October 7, 2023
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Families of Israeli female hostages have shared graphic footage of their abduction to increase pressure on Prime Minister Netanyahu. Out of the hostages still in Gaza, 121 were taken on Oct 7, while the remaining four were already being held before the attacks.
The PMO believes that 37 of the hostages still in the Gaza Strip have unfortunately lost their lives.
According to an Egyptian official familiar with the situation, negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage exchange will recommence on Tuesday.
The Egyptian official said the talks would take place in Cairo.
An Israeli official with knowledge of the matter also told CNN talks were set to resume next week but did not specify a location.
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