JERUSALEM — Israeli police arrested dozens of protesters on Sunday as tens of thousands took to the streets, demanding a resolution to free hostages held in Gaza. The protests aimed to disrupt daily life across the country, blocking roads and closing businesses in one of the largest demonstrations seen in the 22 months of conflict.

Families of hostages organized the protests amid rising frustration over plans for a new military offensive in densely populated areas of Gaza. Many Israelis fear that such actions could further jeopardize the safety of the remaining hostages. Currently, 50 hostages are believed to be held, with 20 thought to be alive. Protesters chanted, "We don’t win a war over the bodies of hostages," reflecting a growing sentiment for a negotiated solution.

Demonstrators gathered at various locations, including outside the homes of politicians and military headquarters. They blocked major highways and lit bonfires, with some restaurants and theaters closing in solidarity. Police reported 38 arrests during the protests.

Former hostage Arbel Yehoud, whose boyfriend Ariel Cunio is still held by Hamas, spoke at a rally in Tel Aviv, stating, "The only way to bring (hostages) back is through a deal, all at once, without games." The protests also featured images of suffering Palestinian children, highlighting the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where over 250 malnutrition-related deaths have been reported.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces mounting pressure as he navigates the complexities of his coalition government. He has opposed any deal that would leave Hamas in power, stating, "Those who today call for an end to the war without defeating Hamas are not only hardening Hamas’ position and delaying the release of our hostages, they are also ensuring that the horrors of Oct. 7 will be repeated." This refers to the Hamas-led attack in 2023 that resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and ignited the ongoing conflict.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich criticized the protests, labeling them as "a bad and harmful campaign that plays into Hamas’ hands" and claiming they threaten Israel's security. The anticipated military offensive could require the mobilization of thousands of reservists, raising additional concerns among the public.

In Gaza, hospitals and witnesses reported that Israeli forces killed at least 17 aid-seekers on Sunday, including nine who were waiting for U.N. aid trucks near the Morag corridor. Hamza Asfour, who was present during the incident, described the situation, saying, "It’s either to take this risk or wait and see my family die of starvation."

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which oversees aid distribution, stated there was no gunfire at its sites, which are located in military-controlled areas. Israel's military did not respond to inquiries regarding the incident.

The ongoing air and ground operations in Gaza have displaced a significant portion of the population and resulted in over 61,900 deaths, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. The ministry, which is part of the Hamas-run government, reports that around half of the casualties are women and children. The United Nations has warned that starvation and malnutrition levels in Gaza are at their highest since the conflict began.

Most aid has been blocked from entering Gaza since Israel imposed a total blockade in March. Although some aid deliveries have resumed, organizations report that the flow remains insufficient to meet the needs of the population.

Concerns are growing about the timing of the new military offensive in Gaza City and surrounding areas. The military body responsible for coordinating humanitarian aid, COGAT, announced plans to evacuate civilians from combat zones to southern Gaza for their protection. However, many Palestinians argue that there are no safe areas left in Gaza. Raghda Abu Dhaher, who has been displaced multiple times, stated, "There are no humanitarian zones at all."

In a related development, Israeli airstrikes targeted Yemen's capital on Sunday, escalating military actions against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The strikes reportedly hit a power plant, causing significant damage. Israel's military stated the airstrikes were a response to missile threats aimed at its territory.