Over 200 family members of the kidnapped and missing, along with other supporters, demonstrated on Thursday outside the Egyptian embassy on Basel Street in Tel Aviv.
They demanded the return of their loved ones who were being held captive by Hamas. The protest took place with police permission and was overseen by security forces. The demonstrators gathered at the embassy's entrance and shouted in English, "Bring them home now!" They also displayed photos of their family members held by Hamas.
Families give testiomonials
Orin Zechariah from Rishon LeZion, mother of 28-year-old Eden who was abducted at an outdoor party in Ra'im, said: "Three weeks have passed without results. We're told that the details are related to intelligence and are classified, or that we're being kept in the dark.
My daughter has been wounded by gunfire and held captive by Hamas for almost a month now. They cite 'intelligence information', but we want to know what's happening. Eden, beautiful inside and out, had gone out to enjoy some music and dance. She embodies kindness."
Stella Samerno from Bat Yam spoke about her grandson, Yonatan, 21 years old, who was abducted at a party in Ra'im: "My eldest grandson had just completed his military service a few months ago. He went out dancing with his friends, and we've not heard from him since. We've seen videos, but the army only informed us after ten days that he was in Hamas' custody. We're in the dark regarding the details, and the army's approach feels devastating. We're protesting wherever we believe it might make a difference, holding onto hope that Egypt might offer some assistance."
As per the statement released by the IDF spokesperson today, the number of abductees has reached at least 224, and the affected families have been updated."