600 Days of Waiting: Gaza Hostage Families Demand Action in Tel Aviv Protest

600 Days of Waiting: Families of Gaza Hostages Protest in Tel Aviv Tel Aviv, Israel – On May 29, 2025, thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv's Hostages Square to mark 600 days since the October 7 Hamas attack that led to the abduction of dozens of their loved ones. The protest was a powerful display of grief, anger, and a desperate plea for the return of the hostages. Many held signs bearing the faces of the missing. "I'm very frustrated. I'm very angry. I'm very worried," said Nurit Avner, a local resident, expressing the sentiments shared by many in attendance. The raw emotion was evident throughout the demonstration. Speakers at the event called on US President Donald Trump to pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to bring about a swift end to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The families' desperation was further highlighted by Idit Ohel, mother of hostage Alon Ohel, who stated, "Six-hundred days living, breathing, and dreaming with you. We hurt, cry, and are disappointed, but we don't stop for a moment and continue to climb the mountain, and it is the biggest mountain anyone can imagine." Her words captured the unwavering hope and determination of the families. The protest served as a stark reminder of the human cost of the conflict and the urgent need for a peaceful resolution. The families' resilience and continued advocacy for the return of their loved ones offer a glimmer of hope amidst the ongoing crisis.