Families of Israeli hostages in Gaza mark 500 days of captivity

Holding pictures of their loved ones, families of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza marked 500 days of captivity on Monday, urging authorities to secure their release.

Dozens of demonstrators were seen marching to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's residence in the morning, chanting slogans and carrying banners that read "Home Now", before meeting lawmakers in parliament.

"My eyes burn from the tears I have shed for the past 500 days," said Einav Tzangauker, whose son Matan is among those held in Gaza.

Addressing lawmakers, she pleaded with them to "do everything possible to bring my son Matan and the other hostages home alive."

In December, Hamas released a video of her son, who was abducted along with his partner from their home in Nir Oz kibbutz during the group’s deadly October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

Shimon Or, whose nephew Avinatan was seized from the Nova music festival that day, told lawmakers Hamas "will never release all the hostages".

"I am angry because this ceasefire agreement, which only allows for the partial release of hostages, puts the lives of those still in Gaza at risk," Or said.

Israel and Hamas are currently implementing the first stage of a ceasefire agreement brokered after months of mediation by Qatar, Egypt and the United States.

The ceasefire, which took effect on January 19, has largely halted fighting in Gaza and has led to the release of 19 Israeli hostages through six hostage-prisoner swaps.

More than 1,100 Palestinian prisoners have also been freed from Israeli jails in exchange for the 19 Israeli captives.

In total, 33 Israeli hostages are set to be released during the ongoing first stage of the deal, eight of whom are deceased, in exchange for 1,900 Palestinian prisoners.

"The State of Israel must get them out of this hell. It is our moral duty," said Yossi Taieb, head of the parliament's education committee, during a separate session at the assembly.

"Our brothers and sisters have been in captivity, in hell, for 500 days. We think of them every moment," Taieb said.

Later on Monday, rallies marking the 500th day of captivity are scheduled to take place in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.