NewsClashes at Netanyahu's home. Families demand release of Hamas prisoners

Clashes at Netanyahu's home. Families demand release of Hamas prisoners

After the protests carried out on March 31, demonstrators set up hundreds of tents in front of the Knesset in Jerusalem.

Images source: © Getty Images | Marcus Yam

PJM

10:33 AM EDT, April 3, 2024

Thousands of people clashed with the police during a protest in front of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's residence in West Jerusalem. Among the demonstrators were relatives of Israelis imprisoned by Hamas in the Gaza Strip and anti-government groups.

The protesters demanded an agreement with Hamas from the Israeli government for the release of those imprisoned by the group in the Gaza Strip, as reported by the Turkish agency Anadolu. The chanting crowd marched to the official residence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Azza Street.

Barricades were set up on the roads. At one point, a protester threw a flaming torch towards officers, including mounted police units. The officers were reported dragging protestors along the ground. Among the injured was Ayala Metzger, the daughter-in-law of an Israeli POW. "We have been counting on you for half a year, and nothing is happening. You have time, but the prisoners do not," Metzger addressed the prime minister.

Clashes with the police result in three arrests

Authorities tried to stop protestors from breaking through the barriers before Netanyahu's residence. Some of the protestors were reportedly beaten. The police stated that three people were arrested, and one officer was injured. An investigation is underway.

After the protests on March 31, demonstrators set up hundreds of tents in front of the Knesset in Jerusalem, which remain there today. Protestors are demanding the resignation of Netanyahu's government, early elections, and the return of Israelis imprisoned in the Gaza Strip.