Protests erupted across Israel on Tuesday as families of hostages and their supporters called for a ceasefire and the release of hostages held in Gaza. This demonstration, dubbed a "Day of Disruption," involved protesters blocking highways and setting tires ablaze. The unrest coincided with ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza, which have intensified amid claims that they are necessary to defeat Hamas.

The protests followed a deadly airstrike on Gaza’s main hospital that resulted in the deaths of at least 20 individuals, including journalists and medical personnel. Among the deceased was Mariam Dagga, a journalist who had reported on the humanitarian crisis in the region. The airstrike has drawn widespread condemnation and sparked outrage among press freedom advocates.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to convene a security cabinet meeting later today. However, it remains unclear if ceasefire negotiations will be on the agenda. Netanyahu has stated that Israel plans to expand its military offensive in Gaza City while also pursuing a ceasefire, although no negotiating team has been dispatched to discuss proposals.

Families of hostages, who were taken during the October 7 attack that initiated the current conflict, are urging the government to return to the negotiation table. Ruby Chen, whose son Itay is among the hostages, said, "Go back to the negotiation table. There’s a good deal on the table. It’s something we can work with. We could get a deal done to bring all the hostages back."

As of now, Hamas has taken 251 hostages, with most released during previous ceasefires. Currently, 50 hostages remain in Gaza, and Israeli officials believe around 20 of them are still alive. The protests were organized in response to a call from Israel’s Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which seeks to maintain public pressure on the government for meaningful ceasefire discussions.

However, Netanyahu's far-right coalition partners have threatened to resign if a truce is agreed upon, dismissing the protesters' demands. Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan was abducted, criticized the government, stating, "We could have ended the war a year ago and brought all the hostages and soldiers home."

The protests come amid continued Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, which have reportedly killed at least 16 Palestinians on Tuesday alone, according to local hospitals. The strikes have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, with parts of Gaza facing severe shortages of food and medical supplies. Gaza's Health Ministry reported that the ongoing military offensive has resulted in over 62,000 deaths, with a significant portion being women and children.

In a related development, Israeli forces conducted a rare daytime raid in downtown Ramallah, a major Palestinian city in the West Bank. The military confirmed an operation was underway but did not disclose its purpose. The Palestinian Red Crescent reported 58 injuries during the raid, which included injuries from live fire and tear gas.

The ongoing conflict has led to increased violence in the West Bank, with Israeli military operations targeting militants resulting in numerous casualties. The situation remains tense as both sides continue to navigate the complexities of the conflict.