According to organizers, around 120,000 people drew attention to the fate of hostages held in Gaza at a rally in Israel to mark the 100th day of war in the Gaza Strip.
Family members expressed their frustration with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government at last night's rally in Tel Aviv, the Times of Israel online newspaper reported. They accused their government of not doing enough to bring home hostages still held in the Gaza Strip. Time to save them is running out. The demonstration is scheduled to last until tonight.
105 hostages released so far
To date, the war in the Mediterranean coastal zone isolated by Israel has lasted exactly 100 days. The trigger was the attack on Israel by Islamic Hamas and other extremist groups on October 7th. More than 1,200 people were killed and around 250 others were kidnapped in the Gaza Strip.
Israel responded with heavy airstrikes and a subsequent ground offensive. During a ceasefire in November, 105 hostages were released in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners. Criticism of Israel is repeated over and over again because of the many civilian casualties.
Netanyahu said the war would continue until Hamas was destroyed and all hostages were returned. Army Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi said military pressure must be maintained to free the hostages.