Families of the hostages protest against the government JB

Several hundred demonstrators marched Tuesday from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, arriving at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office in the evening. They demanded the immediate release of the hostages and that the government take action.

– You failed. We want our children and families back – and today, says Shelly Shem-Tov, whose son is being held hostage in Gaza.

19 years old though

During the day, the Israeli army confirmed that 19-year-old soldier Noa Marciano, who was being held hostage, had died. Relatives of the detainees say they will demonstrate for five days, if the hostages are not released before then.

– We know that a decision can be made tonight. It could become a reality today. Merav Leshem Gonen says her daughter is one of those detained by Hamas.

Netanyahu hinted over the weekend that negotiations are underway, or are underway, with Hamas to release the hostages, and that an agreement “may be reached.”

He did not want to say more after that, but he stated that any negotiations should take place without announcing them.

Qatar urges agreement

Netanyahu has repeatedly said that a ceasefire in Gaza will only be possible if the hostages are released, while Hamas has demanded a ceasefire before anyone is released.

Hamas took about 240 people, including children, hostage and brought them to Gaza on October 7, in connection with the surprise attack on Israel in which 1,200 people were killed, according to Israeli authorities.

Meanwhile, negotiations are underway with Qatar as a mediator. On Tuesday, the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the parties to reach an agreement. Hamas says it is demanding the exchange of 200 children and 75 women in Israeli prisons in exchange for the release of the hostages.