Hostage families block part of Ayalon highways, call for deal

Hostage family members blocked parts of Ayalon highway on Monday night, calling for a return of the hostages, Israeli media reported on Monday. 

Later on Monday, according to Israeli media, protests erupted in Jerusalem, Herzliya, Be'er Sheva, Carmiel and Rosh Pina among others, in addition to various junctions throughout central Israel and near Jerusalem, with demonstrators calling for a deal. 

Speaking in Jerusalem, Paris Square, the daughter of hostage Keith Siegel said she was certain her father could hear the protesters from the depths of tunnels in the Gaza Strip. 

"We won't be quiet until they are back," she added. 

Later on Monday, Israeli media reported protesters blocked the southern Ayalon highways. 

Hamas says it agreed to the Egyptian and Qatari proposal

The protests came shortly after Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh had informed Qatar's prime minister and Egypt's intelligence chief that the terror group had accepted their ceasefire proposal.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum released later on Monday a statement in response to Hamas's agreement to the ceasefire proposal, "We welcome the announcement by Hamas to promote the ceasefire, which advances the return of the 132 hostages who have been held captive by Hamas for seven months."

"Now is the time for the Israeli government to prove in action its commitment to its citizens - the cabinet must take the consent of Hamas and turn it into a deal for the return of all!" the statement continued, adding, "The return of the kidnapped is the key to Israeli security!"

3 protesters arrested

At the end of the protest for the release of the hostages in Tel Aviv on Monday, several protesters gathered on Menachem Begin Road and headed towards Ayalon Highways via Yehudit Bridge in an attempt to block the road.

After the protesters ignored police instructions, a police officer announced the gathering an illegal demonstration and demanded that the protesters clear the road.

As a result, three suspects were arrested for disorderly conduct, and shortly afterward, the southbound Ayalon Highway was reopened for traffic.

'To exhaust Hamas'

The Hostages Families Forum Headquarters released a statement on Monday, following the demonstrations in Tel Aviv. In the statement, the Forum said, “We welcome the Prime Minister and the War Cabinet on their swift deliberation and decision to send a negotiation delegation to exhaust Hamas' position and turn it into a deal for the return of all the hostages!

Now is the time to demand from the negotiation team and all international partners - do not return without a signed deal!”

Eve Young contributed to this report.