In a demonstration of fervent demand for government action, a group of Israelis gathered in parliament on Wednesday to advocate for the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Some protesters resorted to smearing paint on the partition separating the visitors` gallery from the plenum, leaving streaks of yellow - the color symbolizing their campaign - as they were escorted out by ushers.
Chanting "Now! Now!" directed at lawmakers below, the protesters made their voices heard amidst mounting concerns over the hostages` fate. This protest unfolded in the wake of three days of anti-government demonstrations in Jerusalem, where thousands of demonstrators called for intensified efforts to secure the hostages` release and pressed for new elections to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Since the cross-border rampage initiated by Hamas on Oct. 7, during which 253 people were seized, 134 individuals remain captive and isolated in the Palestinian enclave without any means of communication. Israeli authorities have officially declared at least 35 of the hostages as deceased in absentia, amplifying concerns among relatives and friends regarding the well-being of those still held captive, especially as the conflict persists.
Efforts to broker a Gaza ceasefire and facilitate the release of hostages have been underway, with Qatar and Egypt taking prominent roles in mediation. However, Hamas has stipulated that any potential agreement must bring an end to the ongoing war, a condition that Israel opposes, vowing to resume offensive operations aimed at dismantling the Palestinian Islamist group.
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