Israeli demonstrators demand Egypt's help to free hostages held by Hamas

By Said Amouri

JERUSALEM (AA) — Over 200 Israelis demonstrated outside the Egyptian Embassy in Tel Aviv on Thursday to demand the return of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Protesters gathered at the embassy’s entrance, waving banners demanding Egypt’s help to secure the release of Israelis held in captivity by Hamas, Israeli Army Radio reported.

The demonstration was held with police permission and overseen by security forces.

The Israeli army on Thursday updated the total number of confirmed hostages taken by Hamas to 228, including four who were released.

The conflict in Gaza began when the Palestinian group Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood — a multi-pronged surprise attack on Oct. 7 that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea, and air. Hamas said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians.

The Israeli military then launched a relentless bombardment campaign against the Gaza Strip, putting the territory’s 2.3 million population under a blockade and cutting off electricity, clean water, and fuel deliveries.

Over 8,400 people have been killed in the conflict, including at least 7,028 Palestinians and 1,400 Israelis.