The families of Israeli hostages and thousands of their supporters marched on Jerusalem today, stepping up pressure on the government to secure their release nearly six weeks after they were abducted by Hamas fighters and taken to Gaza. The march started from Tel Aviv three days ago. Police blocked off parts of the main highway as protesters began to climb the hills leading to Jerusalem.
They held photos of their loved ones as well as Israeli flags while chanting slogans such as “We will not give up, we demand the release of the hostages.” Her fighters Hamas took about 240 people hostage in the October 7 attack in southern Israel. The hostages – ranging from babies to the elderly – are believed to be held in tunnels under the Gaza Strip.
Israeli and Arab media have reported negotiations to secure the release of at least some of the hostages, but there has been no confirmation from either side of an imminent deal.
“Hear our cry. Bring them back now,” said Yuval Haran, who was walking with a placard showing seven members of his family who were kidnapped, including his three-year-old niece. “How can you put a price on a three-year-old girl? We need them back now, at any cost.”
The German ambassador in Israel Stephen Seibert met with the protesters and demanded the unconditional release of the hostages. “We’re working on this at all political and diplomatic levels and we’re just asking you to keep hope alive,” he said. “In our hearts and minds, we are with you.” Their families and supporters say they will complete the approximately 60km march tomorrow, Saturday, in front of the prime minister’s residence Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem.
Source: News Beast
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