RAMAT HASHARON (Reuters) – Protesters blocked traffic at a major road in central Israel on Tuesday with burning tyres demanding the return of hostages still held in Gaza and an end to the conflict in the Palestinian enclave.
The protest was part of a nationwide 'Day of Disruption' as Israelis, in support of families of hostages held in Gaza, calling on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reach an agreement with Hamas to end the war and release the remaining captives.
A rally planned outside Israel's defense headquarters later on Tuesday is expected to draw thousands of people.
Hamas said in a statement on Sunday that Israel's plan to take over Gaza City showed it wasn't serious about a ceasefire.
It said a ceasefire agreement was "the only way to return the hostages", holding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responsible for their lives.
The proposal on the table calls for a 60-day ceasefire and the release of 10 living hostages held in Gaza and of 18 bodies. In turn, Israel would release about 200 long-serving Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Once a temporary ceasefire begins, the proposal is for Hamas and Israel to begin negotiations on a permanent ceasefire that would include the return of the remaining hostages.
There are 50 hostages remaining of whom Israel believes around 20 are still living.