Fury Erupts in Israel as Ceasefire Talks Stall and Hostages Perish

Massive protests erupted across Israel after six hostages in Gaza were confirmed dead. Demonstrators are calling on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to secure a ceasefire to save the remaining 101 hostages. Violence continues in Gaza and the West Bank amid a new polio vaccination campaign.

Massive protests erupted across Israel on Sunday after six hostages in Gaza were confirmed dead, further fueling public frustration over the government's failure to secure a ceasefire deal that could save the remaining captives. Up to 500,000 people took to the streets in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and other cities, demanding more decisive action from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

In Jerusalem, protesters blocked streets near the prime minister's residence, while in Tel Aviv, aerial footage showed the main highway swarmed by flag-waving demonstrators. Police used water cannons to disperse the crowds and made 29 arrests according to local media.

Labor leaders have called for a general strike on Monday to press the government further, intensifying pressure on Netanyahu. Meanwhile, the Israeli military announced it had recovered the bodies of the six hostages in a tunnel in Rafah, Gaza, amid ongoing violence in the region and a polio vaccination campaign in the war-torn territory.

(With inputs from agencies.)