Israelis called for hostages to be released as large-scale protests erupted in Tel Aviv.

Families gathered alongside thousands of demonstrators on Sunday, August 17, demanding the return of those abducted and held in Gaza by Hamas.

Protesters urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reach an agreement with Hamas to end the war and secure the release of captives.

Crowds waved Israeli flags and held up photos of the captives. The sound of whistles, horns, and drums echoed through rallies across the country.

Authorities reported that some activists blocked major highways, including the main route connecting Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

Anat Angrest, mother of hostage Matan Angrest, said: 'Today, everything stops to remember the highest value: the sanctity of life.'

Israeli actress Gal Gadot, known for her roles in Wonder Woman and Fast & Furious, met the families of hostages in Tel Aviv.

By early afternoon, police had detained at least 38 protesters. Some clashed with officers as authorities cleared blocked roads. Demonstrations were briefly paused when air raid sirens sounded in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and other cities, warning of a missile launched from Yemen. The missile was reportedly intercepted without causing damage.

Netanyahu told his cabinet that ending the war without defeating Hamas would 'ensure that the horrors of October 7 will repeat themselves over and over again'. He reaffirmed plans for Israeli forces to seize Gaza City.

Gaza health officials said more than 61,000 Palestinians had been killed during the Israeli offensive, including at least 29 on Sunday.

Israel says 1,200 people were killed in Hamas's October 2023 attack, with 251 taken hostage. Around 400 Israeli soldiers have been killed in Gaza since then.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid, present at a Tel Aviv rally, praised the movement: 'The only thing that strengthens the country is the wonderful spirit of the people who are going out from home today for Israeli solidarity.'

Israel has blitzed the Gaza Strip in retaliation for an attack by the governing party Hamas on a Jewish music festival on October 7, 2023.

However, the situation, which Israel claims is self-defence, has attracted criticism from around the world.

Craig Mokhiber, a director at the United Nations, has resigned over the organization's 'failure' to act against what he called a 'text-book case of genocide' by Israel against Gaza.