JERUSALEM — Israeli protesters blocked a road in Tel Aviv on Wednesday, urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to agree to a prisoner swap deal with Palestinians.

Relatives of Israelis held captive in Gaza joined the protest near Likud Party headquarters, carrying banners accusing the government of failing to save hostages.

The protests intensified after the bodies of six hostages were recovered in southern Gaza, with ongoing mediation efforts for a cease-fire and prisoner exchange stalled by Netanyahu's refusal to meet Hamas' demands.

For months, the US, Qatar, and Egypt have been trying to reach an agreement between Israel and Hamas to ensure a prisoner exchange and a cease-fire and allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. But mediation efforts have been stalled due to Netanyahu’s refusal to meet Hamas’ demands to stop the war.

The Israeli offensive on Gaza has killed over 40,800 Palestinians, with severe shortages of basic necessities adding to the humanitarian crisis. — Agencies