Israeli hostage families mark 500 days of captivity

In Jerusalem, families of Israeli hostages commemorated the 500th day of their loved ones' captivity. They rallied outside the Hostages and Missing Families Forum tent, before marching to the Knesset, calling for the immediate release of all those still held.

Fears are growing among the families of Israeli hostages that the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas could collapse before the end of its first phase.

Marking the 500th day of their loved ones' captivity, they protested in Jerusalem, demanding the release of all hostages.

The emotional demonstration began outside the Hostages and Missing Families Forum tent before a march to the Knesset. "This is the morning of the 500th day that the hostages are still in Gaza, and today we are marching, we begin right here near Prime Minister Netanyahu's house and we are walking all the way to the Knesset, to the Israeli parliament, with a plight to make sure that this current deal continues until we see every single last hostage back home. Now, the fact that it's 500 days is unimaginable," said Udi Oren, a protester.

As of now, 19 Israeli and five Thai hostages have been released, but 73 people remain in captivity, with half of them declared dead in absentia by Israeli authorities.

The second phase of the ceasefire is intended to start negotiations for the release of the remaining hostages.

The Israeli security cabinet is scheduled to meet on Monday to discuss the next steps and the fate of those still held in Gaza.

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