Hostage families protest in Israel as global outrage deepens over Gaza hospital attack

Protesters blocked the Ayalon Highway in Tel Aviv this morning as part of a nationwide day of action. Israel has also been condemned after an attack on a Gaza hospital killed 20 people, including five journalists. Follow for live updates

• Protests in Israel: Israelis have begun a nationwide day of protest, blocking highways and burning tires as they call for a Gaza ceasefire deal that would secure the release of hostages. • Strikes on hospital: Israel is facing global condemnation after an attack on a Gaza hospital killed 20 people, including five journalists and medical workers. The Israel Defense Forces claimed “six of the individuals killed” in the strikes were terrorists and said an initial inquiry showed the intended target was a camera positioned by Hamas to capture Israeli military activity. • Media under attack: In a letter to senior Israeli officials, AP and Reuters executives have demanded accountability. Israel does not allow international journalists to enter the Gaza Strip to report independently. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)’s delegation in Israel and the occupied territories has called the strikes at Gaza’s Nasser Hospital “unacceptable” in a statement on X. “It is crucial to guarantee its continued operation and accessibility for both medical personnel and patients,” the statement added. The ICRC’s statement adds to a growing chorus of international voices condemning Israel’s back-to-back strikes on the hospital. The attacks killed at least 20 people, including journalists, medical workers and first responders.