THOUSANDS blocked roads around Israel today, including a major artery through Tel Aviv, burning tyres and demanding a negotiated end to the assault on Gaza and the return of the hostages held by Hamas.

The unrest came as Gaza’s Health Ministry reported another 75 Palestinians killed by Israeli military action, and another three starving to death as a result of the artificial famine imposed by Israel on the territory.

The “day of disruption,” organised by the Hostages Family Forum, signals growing public anger in Israel against the Benjamin Netanyahu government, driven by fears its ever-expanding war will put the lives of remaining hostages at risk, as well as resentment at widening military call-ups. Some on the massive protests have held signs and placards denouncing Israeli war crimes in Gaza.

“For 690 days, the government has been waging a war without a clear objective,” a statement from Einav Zangauker, mother of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker, and other relatives said.

“How will the hostages, the living and the fallen, be returned? Who will govern Gaza the day after? How do we rebuild our country?” 

Israeli authorities claimed that Monday’s double-bombing of the Nasser hospital in Khan Younis, which killed 20 people including five journalists with footage showing the military targeting rescuers rushing to the scene of the first strike, was a “tragic accident” as international condemnation of the atrocity grew.

But residents of Gaza City reported that there was no let-up in the assault on it, with entire neighbourhoods being levelled by artillery and tanks. Israel has proposed setting up holding camps in southern Israel, removing the entire Gaza population to them and treating anybody who refuses as an enemy combatant.

Qatar, which has played a mediating role between Israel and Hamas on several occasions since Israel’s invasion of Gaza began in October 2023, said Israel had still not responded to a ceasefire proposal accepted by Hamas over a week ago.

Israel also stepped up its aggression in the West Bank, launching one of the biggest raids in months in Ramallah targeting a currency exchange shop. Scores were injured and three arrested.