600 Days of Hostage Crisis: Tel Aviv Beach Protest Demands Action

Tel Aviv Beach Protest Marks 600 Days Since Hamas Hostage Crisis Tel Aviv, Israel – Families of Israeli hostages held captive by Hamas in Gaza marked a somber milestone on May 28, 2025 – 600 days since the beginning of the conflict that started on October 7, 2023. The families gathered on a Tel Aviv beach to create a powerful visual display: a massive yellow ribbon stretching across the sand, accompanied by the words "SAVE THEM NOW" written in large letters. The demonstration served as a stark reminder of the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the desperate hope for the return of their loved ones. Boaz Zalmanovich, son of Arye Zalmanovich, one of the hostages who was killed, delivered a moving speech. "This government openly declares that the hostages are its lowest priority in Gaza," he stated, expressing his family's deep frustration with the government's handling of the situation. The protest was not only a plea for the release of the living hostages but also a call for the return of the bodies of those killed. The event highlighted the intense emotional toll this prolonged conflict continues to inflict on families and the nation. The demonstration concluded with a symbolic act, leaving a lasting visual message on the beach. The families' unwavering commitment to bringing their loved ones home serves as a powerful symbol of resilience and hope.