Thousands of Israelis march calling on the government to rescue hostages

Families of Israeli hostages and thousands of their supporters marched in Jerusalem calling on the government to take immediate action to rescue those held by Hamas.

An estimated 20,000 people joined a march along the main Tel Aviv-Jerusalem highway on November 18 to pressure the Israeli government to "do everything possible to bring back the hostages".

Crowds marched in Jerusalem on November 18 demanding the government immediately resolve the hostage crisis. Photo: AFP

"We want them to meet us, we want them to tell us how they are going to do it," said Noam Alon, 25, who was among the protesters, holding a photo of his kidnapped girlfriend. "We can't wait any longer so we ask them to do it now, to pay any price to get the hostages back."

About 240 Israelis are believed to be held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip following a raid on October 7.

Many relatives and friends of the hostages fear they will be harmed in Israel's attacks on Gaza aimed at destroying Hamas. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government says military operations increase the chances of rescuing the hostages through a prisoner exchange.

Still, many Israelis say the government is blinded by anger over the Hamas attack.

Among those marching to Jerusalem was opposition leader Yair Lapid, who supports attacks on Hamas but calls for Prime Minister Netanyahu to resign.

Hamas says several hostages have been killed in attacks on Gaza, fuelling panic and anger among activists and families of the hostages.

"It is impossible that 240 people have been kidnapped and the government is not talking to their relatives, not telling them what is happening, what is being discussed, what is being proposed or why they agree or disagree," said campaigner Stevie Kerem.

Also participating in the march was Adriana Adri, whose mother-in-law was among those arrested by Hamas.

"We are marching to Jerusalem to bring her back, to shout that she must be here," Adri said. "We don't have time. We don't know if she is alive or not."

A girl carries a photo of Eliya Cohen, 27, (left) and Ofry Brodutch, 10, two hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza, during a march on November 18. Photo: AFP

Amid the despair, one marcher remained optimistic. "I am happy with the fact that we have the entire Israeli people behind us," said Leshem-Gonen, whose daughter was captured by Hamas.

Vu Hoang (According to Reuters )

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