Mass protests rock Israel: Streets blocked, Netanyahu under fire

Once again, the occupied territories witnessed protests against the cabinet of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

In Tel Aviv, demonstrators blocked streets, calling for a halt to the Gaza war and an agreement to secure the return of Israeli prisoners.

A group of protesters blocked Ayalon Highway in Tel Aviv.

The High-Tech Forum, representing dozens of technology companies and leading investment funds in the occupied territories, announced last Monday that it would allow its employees to leave work early to join a nationwide protest planned for Tuesday, calling for the release of prisoners.

This move comes as families of the prisoners continue to pressure the Israeli cabinet to advance negotiations for their release.

The High-Tech Forum of the occupied territories said in a statement: “Last week, hundreds of thousands demonstrated; there is a deal on the table, and Israel is refusing to enter negotiations that could bring the prisoners home. We must not give up.”

Protests were held across many areas of the occupied territories demanding the release of Israeli prisoners. A large flag bearing the images of the prisoners was raised outside the U.S. Embassy building in Tel Aviv.

Hebrew-language media reported that protesters blocked Highways 2 and 4 in northern Tel Aviv.

Haaretz reported that protesters also blocked streets in Haifa, northern Israel, to demand the return of the prisoners.

In Jerusalem, demonstrators gathered outside the residence of the Israeli prime minister to call for a prisoner exchange agreement.