Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that he had directed the immediate initiation of negotiations for the release of all hostages in Gaza and the conclusion of the war there on terms acceptable to Israel.

Israel's prime minister has said he has instructed talks to begin over ending the war and freeing the hostages still in Gaza. Meanwhile, the UN warns Israel's attack on Gaza City could amount to a "forcible transfer" of the population.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which organized the "Israel on Hold” protests, said that over a million people took part in the demonstrations across the country on Sunday. Per the organization, almost 500,000 protesters gathered in Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square.