Tel Aviv, Israel

Over 100,000 people rallied against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu across 50 locations of the country, expressing their frustration over the delay in the Gaza hostage deal, several media outlets reported. The massive protests in Tel Aviv and other cities came as both Israelis and Palestinians prepare to mark six months of the war in Gaza on Sunday (Apr 7).

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The demonstrations took place after the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) recovered the body of hostage Elad Katzir. Demonstrators were reportedly chanting "elections now", and "Elad, we're sorry", urging Netanyahu to step down.

Hostages in Gaza

Around 130 hostages are still held in Gaza by the militant organisation Hamas. The families of the hostages are also frustrated with the government’s inability to secure their release and reach a ceasefire agreement.

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Elad Katzir, whose body was recovered Saturday (Apr 6), was abducted and taken to Gaza during the Hamas attacks on southern Israel on 7 October. In a Hamas video released in January, he appeared to be alive.

"Elad Katzir managed to survive three months in captivity. He should have been with us today. He could have been with us today," one protestor was quoted as saying by BBC.

Watch: Israel-Hamas war: UN slams Israel over killing of aid workers, UNSC holds meeting

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Meanwhile, Katzir’s sister took to Facebook to blame the “cowardly” leadership of Israel for her brother’s death. "Our leadership is cowardly and driven by political consideration, which is why this deal has not happened yet," she wrote on Facebook.

Efforts of peace deal underway

Representatives from different nations will meet in the Egyptian capital Cairo on Sunday to discuss a potential peace plan. Central Intelligence Agency Director Bill Burns and Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani will join negotiators from Egypt, Israel and Hamas, according to media reports.

In figures released by the Hamas-run health ministry, over 33,000 people have been killed during Israel's offensive in Gaza since October 7, many of them being women and children.

Also read: Hamas says will not ‘back down’ on demands for Gaza truce deal

According to Israeli counts, 253 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage during the Hamas attacks. The whereabouts of about 129 hostages remain unknown after being kidnapped, whereas at least 34 of them are presumed dead. 12 bodies have been recovered by the IDF so far.

(With inputs from agencies)