Massive protests in Israel demanding end to Gaza war, hostages' return

Tens of thousands of people held anti-government protests in several parts of Israel on Saturday night, calling for new elections, a ceasefire deal in Gaza and return of hostages held by Hamas.

The organisers called it the largest anti-government protest since the beginning of Gaza war.

Holding banners calling for early elections, the protesters blocked roads and burned tyres. Mounted police personnel moved in to disperse the crowd and arrested some of the protesters.

Former Shin Bet chief, Yuval Diskin called Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "the worst and most failed prime minister in the history of the state."

Diskin, who served as Shin Bet intelligence agency chief from 2005 to 2011, demanded elections at the earliest possible opportunity.

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