Scuffles broke out between Israeli police and protesters in Tel Aviv on Saturday as thousands gathered to demonstrate against the government's handling of the ongoing conflict in Gaza and demand the release of hostages held by Hamas. The protests also called for the resignation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and new elections.

Amidst the unrest, a small U.S. military vessel and a strip of docking area washed up on a beach near the southern Israeli city of Ashdod. The Israeli military stated that humanitarian aid was being delivered to Gaza via the U.S.-built pier. The U.S. Central Command confirmed that rough seas had affected four of its vessels supporting the aid mission, but no injuries were reported.

Israeli bombardments were reported in northern and central Gaza on the same day. Witnesses confirmed strikes in the cities of Jabaliya and Nuseirat, resulting in casualties. The conflict, which began with the Hamas attack in October and has claimed the lives of around 1,200 people, has led to growing divisions among Israelis regarding Netanyahu's handling of the situation.

The protesters in Tel Aviv carried photos of the female soldiers who were abducted during the attack and video, demanding the safe return of the remaining hostages. Israel estimates that around 100 hostages are still held captive in Gaza, along with the bodies of approximately 30 others. Families of the hostages expressed frustration at the government's lack of action in securing their release.

The pressure on Netanyahu's government has intensified both domestically and internationally. Three European countries recently announced their recognition of a Palestinian state, and the International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor has requested arrest warrants for Israeli leaders and Hamas officials. Additionally, the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to end its military offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah and permit human rights investigators access to Gaza.

While aid operations in Gaza are near collapse due to the ongoing conflict, Israel maintains that it is delivering aid through northern Gaza and the U.S.-built pier. However, the situation remains dire, with the United States hoping the pier can bring the equivalent of 150 truckloads of aid daily, while USAID estimates that 600 truckloads are needed each day to address the humanitarian crisis and prevent famine in the region.

The continuing protests in Tel Aviv and the Israeli bombardments in Gaza highlight the deepening divisions within the country over the government's handling of the conflict. As the international community calls for an end to the violence and increased humanitarian aid, the fate of the hostages and the ongoing suffering of the Palestinian people remain at the forefront of global concern.