Protesters blocked major roads across Israel on Tuesday, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages held since the October 7 attacks, as public pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government grows.

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The demonstrations, organized by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, saw groups burning tires to block traffic at key intersections and staging protests outside the homes of several government ministers. Images shared on social media by Israeli pro-democracy groups showed disruptions across multiple locations.

The Forum, which represents most families of those abducted on October 7, has repeatedly urged the government to end the war and bring the hostages home.

“I ask the citizens: come to the streets with us, only through our strength can we achieve a comprehensive agreement and end the war. The government has abandoned them, but the people will bring them back,” said Einav Zangauker, mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, in a statement in Tel Aviv.

Marches and rallies were planned nationwide throughout the day, culminating in a mass protest at 8 p.m. local time in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square.

The mobilization followed a major demonstration on August 17, when hundreds of thousands filled central Tel Aviv demanding a ceasefire agreement. Netanyahu, however, has continued to press ahead with plans to expand Israel’s offensive and move on Gaza City.

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