Thousands of Israelis have launched protests in several cities, demanding a hostage swap deal with Palestinian factions in the Gaza Strip and early parliamentary elections, Anadolu Agency reports according to Israeli media.

Thousands in Tel Aviv’s Kaplan Square demanded a hostage deal and that the government not miss the opportunity again, said the state-run broadcasting authority. Protesters chanted: “Deal Now” and raised banners with the slogan.

Around 2,000 protested in Caesarea in northern Israel, demanding a hostage deal and early elections, it said.

The Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper reported that thousands demonstrated in several locations, including the Karqur intersection, Bat Hefer and Rehovot.

Demonstrators emphasized the need for a hostage deal “as soon as possible” and to not “miss the opportunity this time,” it said. The protesters also called for early parliamentary elections.