Relations of Israeli hostages protest 500 days of captivity

Credit: dpa/NAN

Relations of Israelis abducted by the Palestinian extremist militia, Hamas, in 2023 staged protests on Monday to mark 500 days of their captivity.The day’s events included blocking central streets in several towns and cities, including Tel Aviv, and a march to the Knesset in Jerusalem.

A total of 73 hostages remain in Gaza, with 36 believed to be dead.

The forum of relatives organised rallies and a day of fasting under the slogan “Get them out of hell.”

The Gaza war began on Oct. 7, 2023, after Hamas and allied groups killed around 1,200 people in southern Israel and abducted more than 250 to Gaza.

Since the ceasefire on January 19, 33 Israeli hostages are to be released in exchange for 1,904 Palestinian prisoners. So far, 19 hostages have been freed.