Thousands hold rally for release of Gaza hostages

People gather in Tel Aviv to mark the 100th day after an unprecedented attack by Hams fighters. Pic/AP

An estimated 1,20,000 people gathered at Tel Aviv's "Hostage Square" to mark the 100th day since about 240 individuals were kidnapped and taken into Gaza during Hamas' October 7 terror onslaught, The Times of Israel reported. This 24-hour rally, one of the largest in Israel over the past year, brought together families of the hostages, dignitaries, and concerned citizens.

Relatives of the approximately 132 hostages still in Gaza expressed their frustration with the government's perceived lack of action since the kidnapping. They warned that time was running out to save their loved ones and criticised the government for neglecting its responsibility to protect citizens on October 7.

French President Emmanuel Macron, US Ambassador to Israel Jack Lew, and former Supreme Court president Dorit Beinisch addressed the crowd during the early hours of the rally. Macron, expressing determination, referred to hostages with French citizenship by name, pledging to see them released. Ambassador Lew emphasised the US commitment to bringing the hostages home immediately.

The rally occurred amid progress in an agreement to transfer medications to the hostages for the first time. Medications were reportedly handed over to Qatari officials on Saturday night, slated for delivery to the Red Cross or another third party responsible for getting them to the hostages.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during a press conference on Saturday night, reiterated his commitment to exhausting every effort to secure the release of the remaining hostages. However, he pointed out the complex calculations that decision-makers must consider, hinting at broader considerations in the negotiation process.

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