As truce talks remain at a standstill, thousands of Israelis have gathered in the streets to demand an immediate ceasefire and the safe return of hostages still held in Gaza.
Demonstrators include families of former and current hostages, many holding signs and photos of their loved ones.
Among the crowd are those who have already experienced the trauma of captivity, urging the government to secure the release of the remaining hostages, believed to number around 50, with about 20 still thought to be alive.
In a nearby area, a silent gathering is held to remember Palestinian children who have lost their lives during the Israeli military operations in Gaza.
Some protesters lit candles and held pictures of young victims, sharing their sorrow for the innocent lives lost on both sides. Many in the crowd have expressed a strong desire for peace and mutual recognition of suffering.
A member of the Israeli parliament has spoken critically about the government’s actions in Gaza, referring to the ongoing military campaign as deeply wrong and expressing disapproval of the destruction caused.
While some in the government claim the military actions are aimed solely at Hamas following the deadly attacks on October 7 that killed about 1,200 Israelis, critics argue that the level of force used has caused extreme harm to civilians.
In Gaza, residents describe living under constant danger. Local reports include incidents where people searching for food or aid have been caught in gunfire.
One man described losing his brother near an aid center. The Israeli military stated it had only fired warning shots and said it was not aware of any casualties.
However, the United Nations reports that around 600 people have died near aid locations in Gaza since the end of May.
The conflict continues to take a heavy toll on civilians, while the lack of progress in negotiations fuels further protests and grief on both sides.