Saturday's protests in Israel were some of the largest so far, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says defeating Hamas is the way to secure the hostages' release.

Tens of thousands of Israelis are protesting in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and across the country for a hostage release deal and against Israel's plans to occupy Gaza City.

Saturday's protests in Israel were some of the largest so far, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says defeating Hamas is the way to secure the hostages' release.