Thousands of protesters block main Tel Aviv highway, calling for immediate hostage deal

Masses of protesters demanding an immediate deal to free the Gaza hostages block Tel Aviv’s main Ayalon Highway, in scenes not seen since the bitter nationwide fight over the government’s judicial overhaul last year.

After a day of women-led protests that blocked many roads in coordination with police, the Ynet news site estimates that some 5,000 demonstrators are blocking the key artery at Hashalom Interchange, demanding an immediate deal to return all the hostages and chanting “Stop the world, our brothers are there.”

Protesters clash with police forces and initially prevent them from clearing the road.

המפגינים ירדו לחסום את איילון דרום באזור השלום ״תעצרו את העולם האחים שלנו שם״. pic.twitter.com/xZ0CFHL8iV

— Michal Peylan • מיכל פעילן (@michalpeylan) January 24, 2024