Thousands Mark 600 Days of Hamas Hostage Captivity in Tel Aviv

Israel marked 600 days since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, with widespread demonstrations by hostages' families and supporters demanding the release of the 58 captives still held in Gaza. Events across Tel Aviv and other cities featured rallies, human chains, and symbolic displays such as yellow ribbons and a massive human hostage ribbon, emphasizing the national trauma and perceived government failures in securing a ceasefire and advancing hostage negotiations. Released hostages and relatives expressed anger over the lack of progress and called on the government to take responsibility, with some criticizing officials for stalling talks and failing to properly investigate the security lapses that led to the war. The ongoing conflict has caused heavy casualties on both sides, with thousands killed and a stalled ceasefire negotiation process despite a US-brokered truce proposal reportedly accepted by Hamas but not by Israel. The public frustration reflects a nation strained by prolonged conflict, with concerns about rising unwillingness to serve in the military and growing calls for political accountability.