Tel Aviv witnessed a massive rally on Wednesday as thousands gathered to demand a ceasefire and the release of hostages held in Gaza, marking the 600th day of ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
In the plaza known as Hostages Square, crowds held signs reading "The people with the hostages" after nightfall in the coastal city. Regular rallies have been held at this location since hostages were taken during the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack that ignited the war.
Yair Horn, freed in February but whose brother remains captive, implored Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying, "It's been more than 100 days since I was forced to leave my brother behind. As long as Eitan and the other hostages are not back, I am still in captivity. You brought me home, do it again, end this war and bring back the 58 hostages."
Across Tel Aviv at key intersections and the main highway, demonstrators displayed signs featuring the number 600 to highlight the war's duration. Vigils and protests continued throughout the day.
In southern Israel's kibbutz Nir Oz, where nearly a quarter of the residents were killed or captured, several hundred gathered to call for the hostages' liberation. Karina Engel-Bart, herself a former hostage, lamented the delay in rescuing those still held. "During the first days of captivity, I was convinced the army and the state would bring us back quickly. But I was wrong... there are still 58 of them in Gaza and they must be released now," she said.
The community near the Gaza border remains deeply affected. Of the 251 hostages taken in October, 57 remain captive, including 34 believed dead. Additionally, Hamas retains the body of an Israeli soldier captured during the 2014 conflict.
Wearing yellow ribbons symbolizing solidarity with hostages, former captives, relatives, and citizens from across Israel gathered in a somber but determined atmosphere to press for an end to the bloodshed and the safe return of all hostages.
