Protesters calling for an end to the offensive in Gaza and the return of hostages being held there have taken to the streets in Israel ahead of a security cabinet meeting scheduled for the evening.

AFP journalists saw protesters blocking roads in Tel Aviv, waving Israeli flags and holding up pictures of the hostages.

Israeli media reported others rallying near a US embassy branch in the city, as well as outside the houses of various ministers across the country.

“There is an offer on the table. We demand that our leaders sit at the negotiation table and not get up until there is an agreement,” said Hagit Chen, whose son was abducted by Hamas in October 2023, according to a statement released by a forum representing the families of hostages.