Thousands of people gathered in Hostages Square in Tel Aviv on Saturday to commemorate the 20th birthday of Naama Levy, who has been held captive for 260 days. Levy's abduction, which occurred during the October 7 attack, remains a poignant reminder of the ongoing hostage situation in Gaza.
Levy, who was 19 at the time of her capture, was seen in a harrowing viral video being dragged at gunpoint by a terrorist in Gaza. The video captured the brutality of her situation, with her hands bound, ankles cut, and clothing soaked in blood.
Despite efforts to secure the release of hostages, including a ceasefire deal in November that saw over 100 individuals freed, Levy is among the 120 people still held captive in Gaza. Concerns about the well-being of those remaining in captivity continue to grow, with uncertainty surrounding their current status.
The plight of the hostages has sparked anti-government protests in Israel, with demonstrators urging Israeli leaders to prioritize securing a hostage deal and advocating for an early election.
At the gathering in Hostages Square, Levy's parents, Ayelet Levy Shachar and Yoni Levy, addressed the crowd with emotional pleas for their daughter's safe return. They expressed their longing for Naama to regain her freedom and highlighted the impact of her absence on their family.
Similar protests took place in various cities across Israel, with families of hostages joining in solidarity. Protesters waved Israeli flags, displayed images of the hostages, and chanted slogans demanding the safe return of all captives.
Former Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz participated in a rally in Carmei Gat, underscoring the widespread support for efforts to bring the hostages home. The resilience and determination of the protesters reflect a collective desire to see a resolution to the hostage crisis and ensure the safe return of all individuals held in captivity.
