Families and relatives of Israeli hostages held in Gaza observed the start of Hanukkah on Wednesday, marking the second consecutive holiday without their loved ones. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum Headquarters reported that a silent protest led by Shift 101 drew thousands of attendees, urging the government to prioritize the release of the hostages. Mothers and female relatives of the hostages, along with supporters, participated in a three-hour silent protest wearing white clothing, demanding an immediate resolution for the return of all hostages.
The vigil was followed by a candle-lighting ceremony at Beit Ariela in Tel Aviv, where Shira Albag, mother of hostage Liri Albag, lit the first candle. Participants gathered to pray for the safe return of the 100 hostages. Shay Dickmann, cousin of hostage Carmel Gat, emphasized the importance of keeping hope alive and expressed the collective desire for the return of all hostages through a negotiated deal.
Recent diplomatic efforts have shown progress in negotiations for the release of the Gaza hostages. Israeli negotiators returned from talks in Qatar for further consultations, indicating positive momentum towards a potential agreement. Hamas currently holds 100 hostages in Gaza, including women and young children, with some hostages confirmed to have lost their lives.
Israeli leaders, including President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, highlighted the urgency of securing a deal for the safe return of the hostages. Herzog emphasized the critical nature of the situation and called on the government to utilize all available resources to facilitate the hostages' release. Netanyahu, in a separate event, invoked historical references to the Maccabees while emphasizing Israel's determination to confront adversaries in the region.
As the first candle of Hanukkah was lit at various locations across Israel, prayers were offered for the swift and safe return of the hostages. The Western Wall in Jerusalem served as a gathering place for individuals expressing solidarity with the families of the hostages and their fervent hope for a positive resolution to the ongoing crisis.
Israel's conflict with Hamas in Gaza, stemming from cross-border attacks in October 2023, has resulted in significant casualties and hostage situations. The nation continues to navigate complex negotiations and diplomatic efforts to address the challenges posed by the ongoing crisis.
