Nationwide protests erupted across Israel on August 26 as families of hostages demanded a deal to secure their release and called for an end to the war in Gaza. Demonstrations began at 6:29 a.m., the time Hamas launched its October 7 attack, and drew large crowds in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square. Protesters blocked major highways, burned tires, and gathered outside the homes of top government ministers, including Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and the education and economy ministers, to increase pressure on officials. The day of action is expected to conclude with a march from Tel Aviv’s Savidor train station to Hostages Square. The protests come as Israel’s security cabinet meeting meets in full for the first time since Hamas accepted a partial ceasefire deal.