Relatives of Israelis abducted by the Palestinian militant group Hamas in 2023 staged demonstrations on Monday to mark 500 days since their captivity.
The day’s events began with road blockades in several towns and cities, including Tel Aviv. A march to Jerusalem’s Knesset (parliament) was also planned.
Hostages Still in Gaza
Currently, 73 hostages from the October 7, 2023 abduction remain in the Gaza Strip, with 36 believed to be dead.
The Forum of Families of the Kidnapped called for rallies and a day of fasting under the slogan “Get them out of hell.”
Background of the Gaza War
The war began when Hamas and allied groups killed around 1,200 people in southern Israel and abducted over 250 others on October 7, 2023.
Since then, Palestinian reports indicate that over 48,200 Palestinians have died in the 15-month conflict between Hamas and Israel.
Ceasefire and Hostage Exchange
Under the current ceasefire, which started on January 19, 33 Israeli hostages are set to be released in exchange for 1,904 Palestinian prisoners during an initial six-week phase.
So far, Hamas has freed 19 hostages, along with five Thai nationals who were abducted but not part of the agreement.
Another 14 hostages, including eight reportedly deceased, are expected to be released within the next two weeks, according to NAN reports.