# Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has criticised Sunday’s protests, saying they would harden Hamas’s stance and would only slow down the release of the hostages. Thousands of Israelis participated in a nationwide protest, with the largest crowd seen in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square. They called for an end to the Gaza war and a deal to secure the release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas. The protestors also criticised the government’s plans to seize control of Gaza City, saying it risked the lives of the around 20 hostages.
Netanyahu criticises nationwide protests, saying they would harden Hamas’s stance