Hundreds of thousands rallied across Israel on Sunday, with the largest crowd in Tel Aviv’s “Hostages Square,” urging the government to end the Gaza war and secure the release of captives. A nationwide strike disrupted roads, offices, and universities, with nearly 40 arrests, BBC reported.

Families of hostages accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of prolonging a “pointless war,” while Netanyahu and far-right ministers condemned the protests as aiding Hamas.

The demonstrations came after Israel’s decision to occupy Gaza City, condemned by the UN. Heavy bombardment in Gaza’s Zeitoun area forced thousands to flee, with at least 40 Palestinians killed Saturday. The UN says 1.9m Gazans face displacement and worsening malnutrition.

Since Hamas’s October 7 attack that killed 1,200 in Israel, more than 61,000 Palestinians have died in the conflict, according to BBC.