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Families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza gathered on Monday, marking 500 days since their loved ones were taken captive.
Holding photographs, they urged authorities to take urgent action to bring them home.
A large group of demonstrators marched towards Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence in the morning, chanting and carrying banners with the words “Home Now.”
Later, they met with lawmakers in parliament, demanding stronger efforts to secure the hostages’ release.
Israel and Hamas are currently following the first phase of a ceasefire agreement mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States.
Since it took effect on January 19, fighting in Gaza has mostly stopped, allowing 19 Israeli hostages to be freed in six separate exchanges for more than 1,100 Palestinian prisoners.
In total, 33 Israeli hostages are expected to be released under the current deal, including eight who are no longer alive.
