Giant anti-government protest rally grips Tel Aviv

Tens of thousands of Israelis have protested in Tel Aviv demanding a Gaza ceasefire deal and the return of hostages held by Hamas.

Organisers said it was the largest anti-government protest since the Gaza war began. Video shows scuffles and people being arrested as police – some on horseback – tried to move protesters off the city’s main highway.

The rallies have become weekly events and protesters also want new elections. Hostages’ relatives were among the protesters – about 120 hostages are still held in Gaza, some of them dead.

Hamas and its allies seized them when they attacked southern Israel on 7 October, killing about 1,200 people – mostly civilians.

Gaza health authorities say Israel’s devastating offensive has killed more than 37,400 people.